Recognizing 100 CEOs & C-level Executives

Fran Mallace Make A Wish Arizona

Fran Mallace

Chief Executive Officer

Make-A-Wish Arizona

Location: AZ

Founded: 1980

Industry: Nonprofit

Fran Mallace has lived a professional and personal life in which giving generously comes naturally and effortlessly because she believes to her core, it is the right thing to do. “Whether it be her time, talents or treasure, she has spent decades achieving every level of professional success in the corporate world and has now transitioned her leadership skills and training to a second career as Make-A-Wish Arizona’s president and chief executive officer,” said her staff.

Make-A-Wish Arizona has a mission to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. To lead the organization and create a culture of inspiration and dedication to reach every eligible child who needs a wish has become part of her own DNA, said Mallace. “Be curious, bold, take risks, learn from mistakes, and always remember the number one goal is to live, love and deliver on the mission,” she said.

In her first fiscal year as president and chief executive offier, Mallace ended the year by exceeding budgeted revenue by $2 million and led the team to grant 420 wishes, the largest amount ever granted in one year. In her second year, Mallace further expanded fundraising efforts to increase the annual revenue budget by 30% while increasing the number of wishes granted to 450.

According to her staff, Mallace is a people-first leader. “Fran puts people first, always,” they said. “She is always willing to fight for them, coach and guide them, inspire them, and make sure they feel excited about their work. When Fran is passionate about something, there’s no way it’s not getting done.”

Mallace’s leadership has been honored and recognized many times throughout her career. She was named one of 26 top women leaders in Phoenix by the Business Journal, was named a Women in Cable volunteer of the year and was named a most influential woman in AZ Business.

In her role, Mallace said it’s important to take the time to understand what motivates people and what challenges them. “This insight will help you build strong, supportive relationships and foster a positive work environment,” she said. “I believe in embracing risk-taking as a pathway to growth and success because it’s important to have the confidence to pursue opportunities even if you don’t meet every requirement.”

She advises future leaders to embrace fear. “Don’t allow fear to hinder you from chasing your dream with passion and determination,” she said. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect others to?”

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I’d have to say my secret superpower is my ability to bring out the best in others. I am a people-first leader. Always. I am always willing to support them, coach, guide, inspire, and make sure people feel excited about their work.

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