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Jon Stettner, President & CEO

Since joining Make-A-Wish International in August 2007, Jon Stettner has spearheaded the revitalization of the mission and outreach efforts of the world’s largest wish-granting charity.

As president and chief executive officer, Stettner leads the organization’s international staff and works closely with its 37 affiliates in providing strategic global leadership necessary for fulfilling the mission: granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy.

To date, his accomplishments include: initiating the development of ten new affiliates, implementing a new system of global governance, increasing fundraising and development capabilities, guiding reorganization of several affiliates and strengthening the International Office and affiliates.

Prior to joining Make-A-Wish, Stettner spent seven years at Variety the Children’s Charity in British Columbia, Canada, serving as the chief executive officer. Under his leadership, Variety experienced significant growth in revenue and profile. Over the years, Stettner played a significant role in increasing the number of programs, projects, and sponsors. Stettner has extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, having also served as chief executive officer for several arts organizations and the Seven Oaks General Hospital Foundation in Winnipeg, Canada.

Stettner earned a BA from the University of Arizona and an M.B.A. from the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Stettner holds a CFRE designation: the only internationally recognized professional credential for philanthropic fundraising executives. Additionally, he is a member of the Society for Association Executives and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Stettner currently sits as an advisor on the board of Children’s Lifeline, in San Diego, CA.