CONTACT FOR PHOTOS/VIDEO & INTERVIEW REQUESTS: Heather Davidson, Sr. Manager, Communications, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island, [email protected]

February 12, 2024 – Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island recently welcomed new members to its Board of Directors. Akhil Patel and Marty Walsh join the group dedicated to supporting the organization’s mission of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Under guidance of the Board, Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island granted 403 wishes in its most recent program year. In 2023, the organization celebrated its 40^th anniversary and granted its 10,000^th local wish.

Akhil Patel is a Vice President at Brown Brothers Harriman, where he is a member of the Corporate Advisory & Banking practice. Patel advises family-owned and entrepreneur-led private businesses in corporate finance strategy, including capital allocation, capitalization, and transition. He joined Brown Brothers Harriman in 2017. Patel has over 15 years of strategic corporate finance experience and has held positions in valuation, investment banking, and private equity. He brings a unique blend of expertise and analysis when navigating complex transactions and shareholder dynamics. “Make-A-Wish is about hope and joy,” said Patel. “It is said that in the joy of others lies our own, and granting a wish for a child with a critical illness not only brings joy, hope, and excitement to the child, but equally enriches the lives of their support system and community. I look forward to moving the mission forward and making wishes more accessible through my membership on the Board.”

Marty Walsh is the former U.S. Secretary of Labor and former Mayor of Boston (2014-2021). Before taking office as Mayor, Walsh served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Walsh is currently Executive Director of the National Hockey League Players’ Association. Born in Dorchester, Walsh holds a B.A. in social science from Boston College. “Joy can be incredibly healing,” said Walsh. “As a childhood cancer survivor, I’ve experienced that healing power. Though Make-A-Wish didn’t exist when I was sick, I was lucky enough to meet Boston Bruins legend Bobby Orr while I was going through treatment. To this day I feel the profound joy of that interaction. I’m thrilled to be involved with Make-A-Wish and to have the chance to help grant wishes, providing hope and joy to local children.”

“Akhil and Secretary Walsh are going to be such valuable additions to our Board,” said Sean Holleran, CEO of Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island. “The knowledge, expertise, and connections they bring are significant, and they’re both individuals who feel a deep connection with our mission and can help us amplify our impact.”   

Assuming new leadership positions are Timothy Grady, a Board member since 2019, and Amanda Eisel, a Board member since 2021.

Tim Grady, previously Vice Chair, has taken over as Board Chair. Tim is the Managing Partner of PwC's Trust Solutions segment (one of PwC's two business segments), which comprises PwC's legacy assurance and tax compliance and reporting businesses.  In this role he is responsible for directing the strategy and operations for the firm’s Trust Solutions segment across all markets of the United States and Mexico.

“In the time that I’ve been involved with this organization I’ve seen the good we can do, and I’m eager to lead the way as we continue toward our vision of reaching every eligible child,” said Grady.

Amanda Eisel assumed the role of Vice Chair and will continue to serve on the Development committee. Eisel is CEO of Zelis, a leading healthcare technology company that streamlines the healthcare financial experience for payers, providers, and healthcare consumers. Previously an Operating Partner at Bain Capital, Amanda joined the Board in May 2021, bringing 20 years of valuable insight into the healthcare and technology industries.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and find out how you can get involved, visit www.massri.wish.org.

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About Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Make-A-Wish^® Massachusetts and Rhode Island creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. A wish can be a spark that helps a child believe anything is possible. In the face of life-threatening medical conditions, wishes enable children to experience profound joy, renewed strength and resiliency, and lasting hope to keep striving and dreaming for the future. Together with generous supporters and 450+ volunteers, the organization has granted the wishes of over 10,000 children in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since its founding in 1983, and its vision is to grant the wish of every medically eligible child. The organization relies on the generosity of the community to continue its wish-granting work. To learn more and get involved, visit www.massri.wish.org.  

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