News Summary
Make-A-Wish® Orange County and Inland Empire introduces three new board members: Don Stolan, an experienced mortgage banker; Michael Krouse, a hospitality expert; and David Ronco, an investment strategist. Each brings unique skills and a strong commitment to fulfilling the foundation’s mission of granting wishes to children with critical illnesses. Their diverse backgrounds in finance, hospitality, and community leadership promise to enhance the foundation’s impact in the region.
Exciting New Additions to the Make-A-Wish® Family in Orange County!
Orange County is buzzing with excitement as Make-A-Wish® Orange County and Inland Empire welcomes three fresh faces to its Board of Directors. These new board members come with a wealth of experience and a shared passion for making dreams come true for children facing critical illnesses. Let’s take a closer look at who these extraordinary individuals are!
Meet Don Stolan – Mortgage Banker Extraordinaire!
First up is Don Stolan, a seasoned mortgage banker hailing from the scenic Newport Coast. With over 20 years of experience in mortgage lending, he knows the ins and outs of the financial world. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Don is also a co-founder and board member for several exciting ventures, including an insurance agency and a property investment fund.
His impressive resume doesn’t stop there. For the past decade, he has dedicated his time to nonprofit organizations, even taking the reins as Chairman of an Endowment Fund! And if that’s not enough, Don has a taste for adventure—he’s a licensed private pilot and a certified dive master! Residing in Newport Coast, Don shares his life with his wife and their four beautiful children.
Introducing Michael Krouse – The Hospitality Powerhouse!
Next on our list is Michael Krouse, the President & CEO of the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau. Michael boasts an impressive background in the hospitality and tourism industry, overseeing operations at 12 convention centers throughout his career. Talk about experience!
Michael has an astonishing knack for generating economic impact, bringing over $100 million annually to the Ontario region! His past roles with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and Hilton Hotels Corporation have equipped him with invaluable insights into the tourism sector. He’s even earned the prestigious CalTravel Advocacy Award for his contributions to the industry.
Living in Rancho Mirage with his husband Daniel and their three kids, Michael embodies the spirit of community and support, making him a perfect fit for the Make-A-Wish mission!
Say Hello to David Ronco – Investment Strategist Extraordinaire!
Last but certainly not least, we have David Ronco, the Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Whittier Trust, based in Newport Beach. With a sharp focus on investment strategy and asset management, David has built his career around guiding high-net-worth families to financial success.
His impressive rosters of positions include leadership roles at prestigious firms such as Farmland Partners Inc., Lazard Asset Management, and Alesco Global Advisors. With degrees from both Stanford University and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, David is undoubtedly an asset to any team.
When he’s not navigating the financial world, you can find David coaching youth sports or enjoying the great outdoors with his wife and three energetic sons.
Sharing a Common Goal
The new board members are not just accomplished professionals; they also share a deep commitment to the mission of Make-A-Wish®. Their enthusiasm and unique perspectives will help drive the foundation’s vision of creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
By bringing together their collective experiences in financial services, hospitality, and community leadership, Don, Michael, and David are poised to make a significant impact. These outstanding individuals embody the very spirit of hope, resilience, and generosity that the foundation stands for.
As the foundation continues to serve children and families across Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties, the future looks bright! With such capable and passionate leaders on board, there’s no doubt that the Make-A-Wish family will continue to create magical memories for many children in need.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- OC Business Journal: Make-A-Wish Orange County Welcomes New Board Members
- LA Times: Make-A-Wish Sends Seal Beach Teen to Super Bowl
- KTLA: Make-A-Wish Foundation Gala
- Google Search: Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Inside Indiana Business: Midwest Make-A-Wish Leader to Retire
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MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
