Emily Malley

34 | Director of Communications & Development, Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York
Residence: Chittenden

Career Highlights: The career highlight I’m most proud of is The career highlight I’m most proud of is providing strategic support and leadership throughout the successful merger of Make-A-Wish Vermont and Northeast New York. Unifying the region tripled the number of wishes granted annually and expanded our geographic reach from 10,000 to 20,000 square miles. Managing the $3.5M annual fundraising budget that powers this expanded mission, I’ve had the privilege of launching signature events like our inaugural Whiskey, Wine & Wishes gala and Tech Valley Charity Golf Tournament, which together raise over $500,000 annually. What really drives me is knowing that this work creates community, provides support, and brings joy to families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.

Community Involvement: My community involvement includes a commitment to service that’s been woven into my life since childhood. Growing up in Vermont, my family participated in GreenUp events and local fundraisers, instilling values that continue to guide me today. My connection to Make-A-Wish actually began as a volunteer wish granter aboard Royal Caribbean ships from 2010-2013, an experience that ultimately shaped my career path. Beyond my professional role, I remain active at St. Pius Catholic Church in Essex and invest in the next generation through guest speaking at Champlain College and mentoring emerging professionals exploring careers in communications and development.

What makes community service meaningful to me is using my skills to strengthen the fabric of Vermont. As a mother of three and Vermont native, I know firsthand how much it helps to have support. Neighbors and friends have shown up for me and my family, and I’m grateful to give back in the same way.

What motivated you to live and work in Vermont: I was motivated to live and work in Vermont by the desire to raise my family in this beautiful state close to nature and the people I love, while knowing I could do meaningful work alongside the exceptional talent that makes Vermont special. After living all across the country, I always found myself returning home.

Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is connecting donors with the wishes they help grant. There’s nothing quite like watching someone witness the power and impact of their generosity for the first time. Creating community for children and families during the most challenging moments of their lives is a privilege I don’t take lightly. Honestly, most days I feel like I have the best job in the world.

Most inspiring mentor and why: My most inspiring mentor is Most inspiring mentor: Jamie Hathaway, CEO of Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York, has been instrumental in my growth as a leader through his faith in me and the opportunities he’s given me to grow. I’m also deeply grateful for the women leaders and colleagues who have provided a soft place to land when balancing work and motherhood feels impossible, while inspiring me to pursue both with intention and purpose.

Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: Few people know that I was the first Vermonter to compete at the U.S. Figure Skating National Championships in 2005, which led to a career as a professional figure skater for Royal Caribbean International. Although it’s hard to find time to lace up my skates these days, the discipline and perseverance I learned from competitive skating shapes how I approach challenges in my work every day.

Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is Echo Lake in the Northeast Kingdom. It’s where our family comes together to swim, hike, and simply enjoy the beauty of Vermont.

If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: If I had unlimited access to funds, I’d support Make-A-Wish. Yes, I’m biased as the Director of Development, but watching wishes transform families never gets old, and I can’t imagine a better way to invest unlimited resources.

Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: My advice for someone looking to get involved in community service is to start by talking to and getting to know your neighbors. When you listen and allow yourself to be vulnerable with people, you’ll quickly learn where you can use your talents to make change.