Make-A-Wish Arizona leader steps into executive role after 20 years of advancing the organization’s mission for children with critical illnesses.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (October 5, 2026) – Make-A-Wish® Arizona, the founding chapter of the global wish-granting organization, has promoted Jennifer Gonzales to Chief Mission Officer, recognizing 20 years of leadership and dedication to advancing the organization’s mission for children with critical illnesses in Arizona.
Throughout her tenure, Gonzales has played a pivotal role in strengthening how Make-A-Wish Arizona identifies and serves eligible children and their families. Her leadership has advanced referral development, Wish Discovery and planning, medical safety, and the overall delivery of the wish experience. She has led the nonprofit’s efforts to expand outreach within Arizona’s tribal and Latino communities, helping build trusted relationships and reduce barriers to reach more eligible children throughout the state.
“Jennifer has dedicated her career to ensuring Make-A-Wish Arizona provides the best possible wish experience for the children and families we serve,” said Fran Mallace, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “She is a compassionate and strategic leader who never loses sight of our vision, and her impact on our mission is immeasurable. As our organization continues to grow, Jennifer’s leadership as Chief Mission Officer will be instrumental in expanding our reach and ensuring we are prepared to serve even more Arizona families.”
As Chief Mission Officer, Gonzales will lead the vision and strategy for Make-A-Wish Arizona’s Mission Delivery work and serve as a member of the organization’s executive leadership team. She will continue to strengthen collaboration across departments and ensure the chapter maintains the highest standards of care, safety and excellence throughout every stage of the wish journey.
“I have had the incredible privilege of witnessing firsthand the power a wish can have on thousands of children and their families,” said Gonzales. “I am deeply honored to step into this role and continue serving a mission that has meant so much to me throughout my career. I’m grateful for the families who have trusted us, the dedicated team who bring wishes to life, and our medical and community partners who refer children and make this life-changing work possible.”
Gonzales assumes the role as Make-A-Wish Arizona closes fiscal year 2026, during which the chapter granted 427 wishes across the state. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Arizona’s mission, visit arizona.wish.org.
About Make-A-Wish® Arizona
For 47 years, Make-A-Wish Arizona has been granting life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and volunteers, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish Arizona has granted more than 9,000 wishes in the local community, contributing to the more than 650,000 wishes granted worldwide; more than 400,000 wishes in the U.S. and its territories alone. With 57 chapters nationwide, Make-A-Wish is the most trusted nonprofit operating locally across 50 states. For more information about Make-A-Wish Arizona, visit arizona.wish.org.
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