SAN DIEGO, CA, JULY 8, 2021— Make-A-Wish San Diego, which creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, announced that Chris Sichel will be handing over the reins of President & CEO to current Vice President of Mission Delivery, Suzanne Husby. After many years of transformational leadership for the organization, Sichel will be moving on to serve as Rancho Santa Fe Foundation’s next President & CEO where he will be connecting the needs in the San Diego community with resources from many of the most generous philanthropists in the region.
During Sichel’s tenure, the organization more than doubled in size, became one of San Diego’s best known and most trusted non-profits, and grew its assets by multiples. “I’ve had the honor and privilege to work with my good friend Chris Sichel as a Board Member, Vice-Chair, and Board Chair over the past nine-plus years,” said Dick Kelley, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His dedication, passion, and total commitment to providing wish children and their families with positive experiences while going through challenging times are unparalleled in this position. Make-A-Wish San Diego has never been stronger, and it’s due to his leadership and management acumen. Words cannot adequately express our community’s thanks but suffice it to say, we are grateful for his involvement with the organization and wish him nothing but the best moving forward. At the same time, I’m thrilled that Suzanne Husby has agreed to take over the CEO role. There isn’t a better or more qualified candidate for the chapter; her accomplishments and impact over the years are indeed remarkable. Make-A-Wish San Diego will be in great hands and continue to thrive under her leadership.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as the President & CEO for Make-A-Wish San Diego,” shared Chris Sichel, current President & CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego. “My involvement with our organization has been one of the greatest joys of my life, working alongside so many amazing staff, board members, donors, volunteers, and Make-A-Wish colleagues across the country. Having worked with Suzanne throughout my time at Make-A-Wish, I know that she embodies the values of our organization and has always put our wish children and their families front-and-center in every decision she makes. As we continue to reemerge from the pandemic and accelerate our mission delivery in the coming years, there is no one better equipped than Suzanne to lead our talented team of staff members and volunteers!”
Suzanne Husby has brought hope, strength, and joy to children battling critical illnesses since 2003. She began her career as an intern with Make-A-Wish San Diego and has served since as Executive Assistant, Wish Coordinator, Director of Program Services, and Vice President of Mission Delivery. Before being appointed as the next leader of the San Diego chapter, she successfully oversaw all wish-granting operations, volunteer management, and medical outreach. She has been instrumental in granting more than 3,200 wishes for local children and has also played a key role in the overall growth of the organization.
“Make-A-Wish has been my home and extended family for 17 years and counting,” shares incoming President & CEO Suzanne Husby. “I’m honored to have been trusted with leading this incredible team, and to continue creating hope for our kids, one wish at a time.”