Lesli Creedon graduated from Miami in 1989 with a BA in Economics. She is currently the President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic. She is also a former Economics Advisory Board member.

• Has COVID affected your everyday work life? If so, how? In addition to being remote like everyone else, we have had to substantially change our business model.  The majority of the critically ill children we serve traditionally wish “to go”….. to amusement parks, on trips to domestic and international destinations (Hawaii being the most popular), to sporting events and concerts.  Wish kids are more vulnerable and isolated than ever before, so we have gotten creative about the types of wishes we can grant now to bring them hope, strength and joy at the battle their illnesses, have long hospital stays, and undergo grueling treatments.  We are building treehouses, decks, and playsets so kids can spend enjoyable time at home with their families; renovating and redecorating their bedrooms; campers and trailers to they can safely travel; providing electronics (computers, gaming systems) so kids can attend school remotely, stay connected and be entertained and distracted; supporting college tuitions; and PUPPIES are in HIGH DEMAND! 
• What are some ways this new way of life has benefited the way you look at your daily work operations? It has been really gratifying to see kids re-imagine their wishes.  Several children have even chose “to give” their wishes to non-profits serving causes near and dear to their hearts, truly selfless wishes.  The pandemic has helped our team and our wish families realize that the wish is more than just a moment in time – they realize now more than ever that our community is with them throughout their treatment journey. 
• Has doing more virtual meetings, etc, shown to be more beneficial to how you can be productive in your daily activities? Yes, scheduling is certainly easier but nothing compares to being together in person.  Establishing the personal bond between one of our volunteers or staff and a wish family is not as effective virtually.  One upside: celebrities are more available and eager to engage with kids who wish “to meet” them.
• Once COVID has slowed down do you think this will affect your future way of continuing to do your work? We look forward to getting back to business pre-COVID, but I do think more and more families in the future will realize there are so many more meaningful and impactful wishes than just travel.
• Has having an Eco degree benefited you during this time? We had to go through a significant reorganization and reduction in force due to a decrease in donations.