Photo / Courtesy, Make-A-Wish Maine
Brian Franks
Updated: October 15, 2024
Former LLBean executive to lead Make-A-Wish Maine
Make-A-Wish Maine, a Scarborough-based nonprofit that grants wishes to children battling critical illness, has named Brian Franks as its next president and CEO.
The former L.L.Bean executive succeeds Kate Vickery, who joined Make-A-Wish America earlier this year as a chapter relationship leader based in Portland.
Sonya Purington, who has been with Make-A-Wish Maine for about 10 years and serves as director of mission delivery, has served as the organization’s interim leader since Vickery's departure.
At Make-A-Wish Maine, Franks leads a team of nine employees.
He comes to the role with more than 25 years of leadership experience, most recently as the director of strategic planning and process at L.L Bean, the Freeport-based maker and retailer of outdoor gear and clothing.
He has been also active across Maine nonprofits, including on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine, and as LL. Bean’s corporate campaign co-chair for United Way of Southern Maine.
“I am honored to join Make-A-Wish Maine, an organization which is doing extraordinary work throughout the state,” Franks said. “While undergoing treatments, surgeries and fears no child should face, Make-A-Wish Maine brings some of the magic of childhood back.
"I am excited to be a part of the next chapter of the organization on the heels of their record-breaking year, granting 89 wishes throughout the state.”
As a former "wish dad," Franks knows firsthand the impact of a wish from Make-A-Wish Maine. In 2015, his daughter Nora received her wish to go to Walt Disney World with her family. Nora was diagnosed with Wilms disease, a rare but treatable kidney cancer that mainly affects children, at age 3.
“Nora was granted her wish coming out of an intensive year-long treatment, and I will never forget the hope and joy that Make-A-Wish brought to her and to the whole family.” Franks said. “It is the honor of a lifetime to be in a position now to help other kids who have had to fight and endure critical illnesses.”
Franks received a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and master’s degrees in both business administration and management information systems from Boston University.
Make-A-Wish Maine has granted more than 1,900 wishes since 1992.
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