Staff

The Foundation’s work in Utah is done by more than 300 volunteers under the direction of a staff of 8 full time employees and 3 part time employees. Several staff members have advanced degrees, but it is also notable that they volunteer themselves in many community organizations.

	Shar Lewis Chief Executive Officer slewis@utah.wish.org Before joining the the Make-A-Wish Foundation Shar served as the Executive Director of the Utah Commission on Volunteers, a Governor-appointed position. She has worked with nonprofit, charitable and community organizations for over 17 years holding management positions with the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network. Previously, Shar worked as the Community Affairs Director for ABC4 Television and produced and hosted the community affairs program, Spotlight Utah, on their sister station CW30. She enjoys being actively engaged in the community, has served on numerous national and local boards and volunteer committees, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Utah Nonprofits Association. Shar has a post graduate certification in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Utah, a Leadership and Management certification from the Nonprofit Academy for Excellence, a Project Management certification from Franklin Covey, and is currently in the Salt Lake Chamber’s Leadership Utah Academy Class of 2013. Recently named one of Utah Business magazine’s “30 Women to Watch,” Shar has received numerous awards for her work and leadership including a national “Telly Award” for the American Cancer Society’s 60th anniversary video production, Utah Broadcasters Association Silver UBEE Award for Best Volunteer Special, National media awards for both The Susan G. Komen Foundations Race for the Cure and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, and a national “Climb & Belay Award” for outstanding teamwork from the American Cancer Society. Shar has run five half marathons for charitable causes and went to Kenya on a humanitarian service project with her oldest son. She is the proud mother of three children who remind her daily that life is a gift and every moment a treasure. My wish: To backpack across Europe with my kids.
	Sydney Broadhead Volunteer Coordinator sbroadhead@utah.wish.org Before joining the Make-A-Wish team this year, Sydney Broadhead studied at the University of Utah in the field of Health Promotion and Education. Her interest in non-profit work began as a student at the College of Eastern Utah, where she was a leader for the Serving Utah Network (SUN). She participated in many community outreach programs like Youth and Families with Promise, The Golden Rule Mission and also worked as a Camp Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America. Sydney spent a year and a half living in Peru and coordinating volunteer efforts among the natives. While there, she developed a love for Latin culture and the Spanish language. Sydney enjoys fly fishing, reading, cooking and traveling. My Wish: To have a classic Volkswagen bus and tour the U.S. in it.
	Troy Larkin Director of Finance and Operations tlarkin@utah.wish.org After earning his master’s degree from Weber State University, Troy worked a number of years in public accounting as an auditor and consultant. He also worked in the energy business for nearly 20 years in virtually every facet of the business from accounting, IT systems, credit and financing to trading. Troy enjoys golf as well as road and trail distance running. He has been fortunate enough to run numerous marathons, including the Boston marathon twice. My Wish: To play golf with Jack Nicklaus and Phil Mickelson at St. Andrews or Augusta National.
	Jodie Johnson Special Events Manager jjohnson@utah.wish.org Jodie joined Make-A-Wish in May 2012. Before joining Make-A-Wish, Jodie traveled throughout Europe, eventually calling London UK her home. Receiving an MBA from Westminster College, she has over 10 years of marketing and event experience, most recently in FM Alternative Radio and Print Publications. Prior to Europe, she served as the Marketing and PR Director for X96.3FM-Simmons Media Group, and has also worked as the Marketing Manager for City Weekly newspaper. Jodie has experience working with Spy Hop Productions, Sundance Film Festival, SLUG Magazine’s Craft Lake City, Utah Symphony Opera and even worked as the Executive Assistant to the Producer of the 2002 Winter Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. She embodies a competitive team spirit having played for the Salt City Derby Girls, U. of U. women’s rugby, competitive soccer and enjoys any and ALL outdoor activities. Jodie has run four half marathons, one full marathon and includes a triathlon on her bucket list. My Wish:To never stop traveling and having adventures.
	Paula Axelrod Director of Development paxelrod@utah.wish.org Paula was born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut. She has a BS in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. She was an Air Force spouse for 20 years living in many parts of the country before retiring here in Layton, UT. Her spouse, Barry, works for Utah Department of Transportation as a Program Specialist. She has two daughters, both graduates of University of Utah and one waiting to attend dental school and residing in Long Beach. She enjoys gardening, sports, camping and traveling. Paula has worked in many non-profit organizations in Utah such as American Red Cross, Girl Scouts, American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society for over nine years. During her tenure with the Society, she worked as a Program Director for Patient Services, Community Relationship Manager, Relay Director and Income Executive Director and District Executive Director. She supervised staff responsible for all Special Income Events and the Quality of Life Programs and Services in Utah, Southwest Wyoming and Nevada.
	Abbi Aird Wish Coordinator aaird@utah.wish.org
	Daniel Dudley Part-Time Wish Hospitality Coordinator ddudley@utah.wish.org Daniel was born and raised by great parents in the East Millcreek area of Salt Lake. He is a student studying business who loves spending time with his four nephews and two nieces. Daniel loves sports, reading, and meeting and learning from people. He has worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector for the last four years in various capacities. Daniel has enjoyed his time working as a volunteer coordinator for The Rocky Mountain Care Foundation, and has also managed a local neighborhood service organization for the past three years. My Wish: To be a stand-up comedian.

	Frank Nilson Director of Program Services fnilson@utah.wish.org Before joining the Make-A-Wish team 2001, Frank worked in the accounting industry as an office manager for a C.P.A. firm. He was also a claims administrator for a group of physicians. Frank is a Utah native who completed his B. S. in child development at the College of Family and Consumer Studies at the University of Utah in 1985. He then went on to receive his accounting degree in 1992. He came to the Foundation as a volunteer first. Frank was a volunteer wish granter for 5 years before becoming an employee. My wish: To meet Jack Kennedy and/or be a back-up singer for the Carpenters.


	Elaine Ball Database Coordinator http://utah.wish.org/eball@utah.wish.org Joining the Make-A-Wish Utah team has been a natural next step in a lifetime of volunteer activism for Elaine. One of her most rewarding achievements so far was becoming an AmeriCorps Alumna in 2007, while studying English at Salt Lake Community College. Elaine recently graduated from the University of Utah with Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and Linguistics. In addition to her part-time responsibilities at Make-A-Wish Utah, she teaches afternoon French classes twice a week at Salt Lake Arts Academy. Throughout her undergraduate career, Elaine has volunteered and worked for many non-profit organizations, including KRCL 90.9 FM and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. She is proud to have been a member of the Utah Nonprofits Association since 2010, and this year also joined the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Utah Society of Fund Raisers. Elaine is committed to non-profit development work because without the relationships we build with our generous, committed volunteers and supporters, no mission or program could be successful. My Wish: To play Bananagrams with Steven Pinker

	Autumn Thatcher Communications Manager athatcher@utah.wish.org Before joining Make A Wish, Autumn worked as a full-time writer for In This Week/Now in Salt Lake magazine, a weekly art and entertainment niche product of the Salt Lake Tribune. Her experiences in writing have allowed her the opportunity to interview celebrities on the red carpet at the Sundance Film Festival and even meet and interview her high school celebrity crush, David Duchovny. Autumn has over 10 years of published writing experience, with an emphasis on interviewing and writing about national touring bands. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Autumn worked as a Special Events facilitator for the University of Utah Health Sciences Development, organizing events that featured Nobel Peace and Pulitzer Prize winners. She has also worked as an Outreach Coordinator for UEN-TV Channel 9, and had the opportunity of traveling the state to do presentations and host the weekly UEN Sci-Fi Friday television series. Her personal hobbies include being a crazy cat lady over her black cat, Lestat, camping with her husband and their Border Collie-mix, Dylan, backpacking other countries and working to win the title of “favorite aunt” from her nieces and nephew. My Wish:To perform the National Anthem at the Superbowl.

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