Financial Irregularities Lead to Dismissal of Make-A-Wish Iowa President/CEO

Jennifer Woodley, the President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Iowa, has been dismissed after what the organization calls 'financial irregularities discovered during an internal compliance review.'

According to a statement from Joshua Norton, the Board Chair for Make-a-Wish Iowa,

We are working on assessing the full extent of these irregularities and determining next steps. We have a significant responsibility to our donors, families and children to safeguard every dollar given to us. Therefore, we will continue to work with our National Office as we review key expenditures and other transactions.

The statement goes on to say they are "sad and disappointed by these events."

The Des Moines Register reports that Rachel Reams, the vice president of Mission Development for Make-A-Wish Iowa, will act as interim CEO while the search for a new CEO takes place.

Jennifer Woodley's two daughters have both had brain surgery, according to the Des Moines Register. Woodley's daughter Molly visited Walt Disney World Resort via a wish from the organization before Woodley became the president and CEO. She started that role with Make-A-Wish Iowa in August of 2019.

Make-A-Wish Iowa announced on their Facebook page last Friday that the organization has funded 11 wishes in 2020. The post celebrated 9-year-old Liam of Waterloo, who has raised over $5,000 for the organization.