Board Member Spotlight Paul O'Malley

Paul O'Malley’s journey to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital Advisory Board is driven by a deep commitment to pediatric health care. A veteran of the radio industry, Paul’s career has taken him to New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and finally Charleston – each city reinforcing a universal truth: every child deserves access to high-quality medical care.

A personal commitment to children’s health

“Every city I’ve lived in has one thing in common: the need for top-tier medical care for children,” Paul shared. “I was blessed with two healthy kids, but I can still empathize with families facing unimaginable challenges. These diseases don’t discriminate – it’s universally heartbreaking.”

Leading the charge for Radiothon

Paul’s involvement with Radiothon began in 2018 when he became president of the Charleston Radio Group (now Charleston Media Solutions). At that time, Radiothon was organized by a different broadcaster, where Brian Cleary was a longtime radio personality. In 2020, Paul hired Cleary to join his team, and one of Cleary’s first priorities was expanding Radiothon’s impact – bringing it under Charleston Media Solutions and increasing fundraising efforts for MUSC.

“I’m most proud of how we began,” Paul said. “In 2021, with COVID disrupting everything, our team – Wanda, Mimi, Brian and so many others – took a leap of faith. Despite the uncertainty, we came together, crammed into a conference room and pulled off Radiothon. Businesses were struggling, personal incomes were impacted, but we put the kids first – and we raised significant funds when it mattered most.”

Expanding the future of Radiothon

Paul envisions Radiothon evolving beyond a two-day event. He sees an opportunity to create an immersive, year-round initiative, connecting more businesses with on-air, online and social media assets to drive ongoing support.

“The next step is merging radio, TV and social media influencers in a live broadcast from the children’s hospital lobby,” Paul said. “That kind of visibility could transform fundraising.”

The power of fundraising

For Paul, one of the most unique aspects of the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital is the transparency of its leadership.

“The advisory board knows exactly what the hospital needs, and we communicate that directly to donors,” he said. “We can show where the money goes and introduce donors to families who have directly benefited. That’s powerful.”

A shining example: In 2024, Radiothon funded every item on the hospital’s list of 163 requested assets – a milestone Paul hopes to build on.

Shaping the future of pediatric health care

Paul sees two key pillars shaping the future: cutting-edge research and family-centered care.

“Surgical technology will continue to advance, allowing for faster, more precise procedures,” he explained. “But just as important is the emotional care provided to families. The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital is leading in both areas, setting a new standard in pediatric health care.”

A lasting legacy

Serving on the advisory board has given Paul a new perspective.

“I’ve met parents who were told their child had no hope – until they came to MUSC. Now, their child is thriving. That’s incredibly humbling.”

As for his legacy, Paul hopes he’ll be remembered not just for his role, but for his relentless effort.

“When I think of our own Matthew Chase, who received a heart transplant at 22 years old in 2023, I feel proud knowing our efforts played even a small role in his recovery,” Paul reflected. “At the end of the day, the real legacy is the effort – everything else is just words.”

His message to supporters?

“It takes money. I don’t apologize for that – it’s the truth. We have the best doctors, the best staff and the best leadership, but none of this happens without funding. In the time it takes to read this story, a family’s life has changed forever. We must never forget that.”

With the support of committed advocates like Paul, the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital remains a leader in pediatric care.