All members | Gary A. Graves

Gary A. Graves

Biography:

Gary is the CEO of American Laser Centers and the non-executive chairman of the board for Caribou Coffee. He was formerly president and chief executive officer for La Petite Academy, where he was responsible for one of the leading for-profit preschool educational organizations in the United States, with 650 locations generating revenues of more than $400 million annually. He saw his company's dedication to helping children and families as a natural fit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation; under Gary's leadership, La Petite developed into a prominent national corporate sponsor of the Foundation. He became deeply committed to helping the Foundation more than 10 years ago, after the loss of a child impacted his family. Prior to joining the National Board Gary served as board member for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Kansas and as a board member and treasurer for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois. He was first elected to the National Board in September 2004 and currently serves as the vice chair. His professional experience includes executive leadership positions with McKinsey, Interpark Holdings, Inc., Boston Market, Inc., and PepsiCo. Gary holds an engineering degree from the University of Michigan and master of business administration from the University of Chicago. Gary and his family live in the western suburbs of Chicago.