Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire Announces Anne Grey as New President and CEO
August 23, 2024 – Irvine, CA – The Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Grey as the new President and CEO, effective August 19, 2024.
Komron Tarkeshian, Chair of the Board of Directors, expressed his confidence in Anne Grey's appointment, stating, "After an extensive search and thorough vetting process over the past five months, we are confident that Anne is the right fit for our organization. Her impressive background in non-profit leadership and fundraising experience is exactly what Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire needs to continue growing and fulfilling our mission. We are thrilled to welcome Anne as a valuable addition to our team."
Anne Grey brings over 25 years of experience in non-profit leadership to her new role, having held prominent positions at organizations such as Vivalon, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. At Vivalon, Anne successfully led the organization through a critical period of growth. Under her leadership, Vivalon saw a significant financial turnaround and was recognized as the Best Nonprofit Organization by the Marin Independent Journal. In 2020, Anne was named one of OC Register’s Most Influential People, a testament to her leadership and impact in the community.
Anne Grey expressed her excitement about joining Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, saying, "I am honored to lead this incredible organization and look forward to getting to know the board, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Together, we will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of children with critical illnesses."
Anne, who maintains residences in both Irvine, CA, and Rancho Mirage, CA, also emphasized the unique advantage her reach and influence in both Orange County and the Inland Empire will bring to the community that Make-A-Wish serves.
Anne holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego and an MBA from Pepperdine University. She is actively involved in the community, serving as a member of the Junior League of Orange County, is a Puppy Den Volunteer for Guide Dogs of the Desert, a member of the Salton Sea Triathlon Club, and Coachella Valley Area Panhellenic.
Anne Grey succeeds Interim CEO Katie Ellis, who has played a pivotal role in guiding the organization during this transition. Katie will depart after a brief transition period, ensuring a smooth handover of responsibilities. To learn more about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit wish.org/ocie
About Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire
Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We seek to bring every eligible child's wish to life because every child deserves a childhood. Research shows that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their illness. Since our chapter’s founding in 1983, more than 8,100 wishes have been granted for children in the local community. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff, and more than 34,000 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and 57 other chapters throughout the U.S. have granted more than 350,000 wishes nationwide.
For more information about Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire, visit wish.org/ocie
MEDIA CONTACT:
Katelynn McDougall Leguizamo
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire
714.573.9474
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