Make-A-Wish^® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana

Columbus, OH — November 18, 2024 — After a transformational 45-year career in the nonprofit sector, including nearly 15 years with Make-A-Wish, Stephanie McCormick has announced her retirement as President & CEO of Make-A-Wish® Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana. McCormick will step down from her leadership role on January 17, 2025, passing the baton to incoming President & CEO, Juli Miller.

McCormick has left an indelible mark on the organization since joining Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana in 2019. Under her leadership, the chapter granted a record-breaking 1,205 wishes in 2023, the most wishes granted by any Make-A-Wish chapter nationwide in a single year. She also led the chapter to achieve record fundraising in the past three years.

Before joining the Ohio, Kentucky & Indiana chapter, McCormick served as President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County & the Inland Empire from 2011 to 2019, where she successfully grew the organization’s revenues from $2.5 million to $6 million. Her career also includes leadership roles at the United Way, American Lung Association, YMCA Orange County, and the Mariposa Women and Family Center.

“Stephanie’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative,” said Governing Board Chair Kara Trott. “Her tireless dedication, deep compassion, and commitment to Make-A-Wish’s mission have touched thousands of lives, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire our work for years to come.”

McCormick’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She was recently honored with the Indiana Lt. Governor’s Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding community service, leadership, and academic achievement. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a BS in Education, McCormick also holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University.

“I’ve dedicated my life to nonprofit service and the past 15 years with Make-A-Wish have been the pinnacle of my career,” said Stephanie. “I passionately believe there is nothing more powerful than the smile of a wish child and those smiles have transformed me. It’s the honor of my life to have helped make wishes come true for children with critical illnesses.”

Throughout her tenure, McCormick has overseen the granting of more than 8,000 wishes, helping to bring hope, strength, and joy to children across the country.

“We are incredibly grateful for Stephanie’s leadership and the lasting impact she has made on our chapter, our community, and the children we serve,” said incoming President & CEO Juli Miller. “I look forward to continuing Stephanie’s legacy of making life-changing wishes come true for children in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.”