Making a Positive Difference in People’s Lives

Jim Tollerton, vice president of Professional Benefits, started working with Virginia Mason in the 1980s. In those days, his daughter Taylor was a child — and, in Jim’s words, it was so long ago that he still had hair. Now, Taylor is his business partner and president of the company. And they’re still proud to be part of the Virginia Mason Corporate Partner Program. 

“Dr. Kaplan has been a good friend and client for many years — we just think the world of him,” Jim says. “He's a leader in healthcare delivery who is well respected across Seattle and nationally, but he’s still approachable and candid. The whole Virginia Mason team reflects that.”

The Professional Benefits team supports Virginia Mason by offering supplemental disability insurance to executives, physicians and residents. Seeing Virginia Mason’s team in action inspired Professional Benefits to also support our organization philanthropically, through the foundation. 

“Their people are on the frontlines, taking care of people day in and day out — you just can’t thank them enough,” Jim says. “They have a huge impact on the community.”

Most of Professional Benefits’ gifts support our Area of Greatest Need fund, and they’ve also made generous donations to Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI).

“We really like BRI and we want to support their cutting-edge, innovative work,” he says.

The Professional Benefits team strives to give their clients the best possible service. For Jim, who lives in Sarasota, Florida, that means spending a few weeks in Seattle every year. He and Taylor look forward to meeting with Virginia Mason’s team in-person when the pandemic is over — and, of course, enjoying some Pacific Northwest seafood on the Seattle waterfront.

“Virginia Mason is a nationally-recognized institution and I’m just delighted to be part of the extended family, and Taylor has come to recognize the same thing,” Jim says. “Our company’s philanthropic intent is to make a positive difference in people’s lives, and we know we’re doing that when we support Virginia Mason.”

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