Make-A-Wish International names Dorothee van Vredenburch as CEO

Make-A-Wish International has appointed Dorothee van Vredenburch as President and CEO, effective Sept. 1, 2026. She succeeds Luciano Manzo, who is retiring after six and a half years as the organization looks to expand its global reach for children with critical illnesses.

Why it matters: - Dorothee van Vredenburch will lead Make-A-Wish International as the organization works to strengthen its global network and reach more eligible children. - The leadership change comes as the nonprofit seeks to deepen its impact across Affiliates and Licensed Territories. - Luciano Manzo’s retirement ends a six-and-a-half-year run at the top of the organization.

What happened: - Make-A-Wish International appointed Dorothee van Vredenburch as President and CEO, effective Sept. 1, 2026. - Van Vredenburch will succeed Luciano Manzo, who is retiring. - The appointment followed a rigorous international recruitment process led by the Board of Directors and its Governance Committee.

The details: - Van Vredenburch most recently served as Executive Partner and a member of the Management Board at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, an international law firm. - Her background includes senior leadership roles in communications, organizational development, governance and transformation. - Her experience spans corporate and nonprofit organizations. - Wijnand Donkers, Chair of Make-A-Wish International, said the Board was impressed by her leadership experience and understanding of the organization’s opportunities. - Donkers said the organization wants to strengthen its global network, deepen its impact and reach more eligible children. - Luciano Manzo said he was proud of what the organization achieved during his tenure and wished van Vredenburch success in the next chapter. - Van Vredenburch said she has long admired the Make-A-Wish mission and the people who help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. - Make-A-Wish International is headquartered in the Netherlands. - The organization supports a global network of Affiliates and Licensed Territories that help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses around the world. - More information is available through the organization’s website.

Between the lines: - The board appears to be prioritizing leadership experience that can support scale, governance and organizational change. - The nonprofit’s emphasis on global network growth suggests the CEO role will focus on both operational execution and mission expansion. - Van Vredenburch’s mix of corporate and nonprofit leadership may signal a continued focus on professionalizing international operations.

What's next: - Van Vredenburch is set to take over on Sept. 1, 2026. - Make-A-Wish International will move into a new leadership phase as it continues its international affiliate network and wish-granting work. - Manzo’s retirement will close out the transition once the new CEO steps in.