Make-A-Wish Illinois is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey Marsh as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective March 16, 2026. Marsh will succeed Stephanie Springs who will retire after 20 years of leadership and will lead the organization into its next chapter of impact - advancing its mission to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across Illinois.
Marsh brings more than 25 years of experience scaling mission impact, driving transformational fundraising strategies, and leading diverse teams to deliver results at the highest levels of the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer at Feeding America, one of the nation’s largest nonprofits, where she has served on the executive team and oversaw fundraising efforts to raise more than $300 million annually. Previously, Marsh held senior roles within UNICEF USA.
“Casey is a values-driven, mission-centered leader with the strategic acumen and heart required to guide Make-A-Wish Illinois into its next chapter,” said Tom South, Chair of the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish Illinois. “Throughout this process, she demonstrated a deep appreciation for the power of a wish and a clear vision for how this organization can continue to grow its reach and impact. We are confident that under Casey’s leadership, Make-A-Wish Illinois will continue to deliver hope and joy to even more children and families across our state.”
In this role, Marsh will oversee the organization’s statewide operations, partnerships, and fundraising efforts, guiding a dedicated team committed to delivering hope, strength, and joy to children and families during their most difficult times.
“I am deeply honored to join Make-A-Wish Illinois,” said Marsh. “This organization represents the very best of what community, compassion, and possibility can achieve. Wishes are far more than moments of happiness; they are sources of strength and resilience for children and families facing unimaginable challenges. They are opportunities for communities across Illinois to unite as WishMakers. I am inspired by the extraordinary staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who make this work possible, and I am excited to build upon a strong foundation together toward a future where every eligible child in Illinois experiences the power of a wish.”
This leadership transition comes at a milestone moment for the organization, as Make-A-Wish Illinois celebrates 40 years of granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across the state. A wish helps kids look past their limitations, helps families overcome anxiety and helps entire communities of WishMakers experience joy. Most importantly, according to recent research, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life.
The appointment follows an extensive national search led by DSG | Koya, the Nonprofit & Social Impact Practice within DSG Global, a leading executive search firm.