The Board of Lady Managers is a humanitarian organization founded by women of faith in 1872 to serve unmet medical needs in Alexandria. It continues that legacy today with fundraising dedicated to supporting Inova Alexandria Hospital in meeting the health needs of the community.

Who We Are

In 1872, Julia Johns and a group of half a dozen “charitably disposed” women recognized the unfulfilled healthcare needs of Alexandria, and decided to do something about it. They joined together to form the Board of Lady Managers, which founded Alexandria Hospital.  The Board managed the hospital for over 40 years and operated a nursing school until 1944.

Today, we continue our legacy of fundraising to support the hospital’s priorities. While it is difficult to attach a dollar value to our contributions over the past 150 years, we have donated nearly $4 million over the last 25 years. The Board of Lady Managers currently directs a large portion of our fundraising efforts to technology advancement and pastoral care.

We are a group of women who give over 9,000 volunteer hours annually in support of our community hospital, Inova Alexandria Hospital.

What We Do

The Board of Lady Managers works closely with hospital leadership to determine its current, most pressing needs.  For decades we have consistently supported several hospital memorial funds focused on cancer resources, cardiovascular services, patient assistance and the interfaith chapel

In 2023-2024, the Board of Lady Managers helped to purchase an Olympic Slim Dual Focus Colonoscope. This new colonoscope is designed to be minimally invasive, find more disease, and improve treatment capabilities.

2025 Board of Lady Managers Donations to Inova Alexandria Hospital:
$30,000 for Technical Advancement Development
$3,300 for the Nurses Training
$3,000 for Spiritual Care
$2,000 for Nurses’ Professional Development
$750 for the Cancer Fund
$750 for the Patient Assistance Fund
$750 for the Heart Fund