PHOENIX (August 24, 2009) – The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America has welcomed James Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, to its board of directors. Fielding will assist the Foundation by providing leadership, strategic planning and outreach counsel to the nation’s largest nonprofit wish-granting organization.

Fielding’s interest in the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission is evident – he also serves as a member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation International board of directors.

“The Make-A-Wish Foundation is a fantastic organization that touches the lives of thousands of kids,” Fielding said. “We’ve made wonderful progress growing Make-A-Wish Foundation International, and I'm honored that the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America is giving me the opportunity to contribute as well.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of America grants children’s wishes through its 65 chapters covering all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. Make-A-Wish Foundation International serves children outside the United States through its 33 affiliates on five continents.

“Jim is a tremendous addition to the board of directors,” said David Williams, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America president and chief executive officer. “He will undoubtedly inspire many people with his passion for our mission and the children we serve. That enthusiasm, along with his extensive marketing background and creativity, will help the Foundation significantly enhance our outreach efforts in many areas.”

Fielding was promoted to president of Disney Stores Worldwide in May 2008. In this role, he oversees global operations, merchandising, sales and marketing of the Disney Stores retail chain, which includes locations in Europe and North America.

He was previously executive vice president, Retail Sales and Marketing for Disney Consumer Products since 2005. Fielding oversaw DCP's global sales, marketing, studio merchandising, creative, and synergy initiatives, as well as special events. He was also responsible for Disney Retail, the organization which managed the global operation of licensed and owned Disney Stores and online businesses. Fielding also served as senior vice president, Merchandise, Creative & Marketing at Disney Stores.

Prior to joining Disney, Fielding was vice president and general merchandise manager for both Land's End Inc. and The J. Peterman Company. He also spent more than 10 years in merchandising and marketing roles with The Gap Inc. and Dayton Hudson.

Fielding earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and management from Indiana University. He also attended the University of Copenhagen.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 180,000 wishes in the United States since its inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.