Variety Iowa Leadership Announcement

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Sheri McMichael, Executive Director of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, Announces Retirement and hiring of Wendy Ingham as the new Executive Director

Sheri McMichael, Executive Director of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, has retired after 24 years of dedicated service to the organization and the community. Sheri's remarkable tenure, characterized by her unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of children who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs, has left an indelible mark on Variety Iowa and the children we serve.

Under Sheri's leadership, Variety Iowa has grown exponentially, empowering children throughout Iowa to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Her visionary guidance and tireless efforts have transformed the lives of countless children and their families, making a lasting impact on the community.

In reflecting on her retirement, Sheri stated, "It has been an incredible privilege to serve as Variety’s Executive Director. I am immensely grateful to have been part of an organization that is dedicated to enriching the lives of children throughout Iowa. Together, we have accomplished so much, and I am proud of the positive impact we have made. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the entire Variety Iowa team, donors, community partners, and, most importantly, the families and children we have had the honor to serve."

During her tenure, Sheri spearheaded numerous initiatives that have shaped Variety Iowa into a leading organization dedicated to the welfare of children throughout the state. She fostered strong partnerships with community stakeholders, advocates, and donors - leading to significant advancements in providing essential resources, support, and opportunities for children facing diverse challenges.

Overall, her efforts have contributed to raising an impressive $96+ million dollars for Variety Iowa, which has been reinvested in various communities and children. Sheri's leadership has also resulted in significant support for other nonprofits who help children through Variety’s Grant Program, culminating to $62+ million in funding over the past 24 years.

Sheri successfully implemented Variety’s Mobility Program, providing more than 800 specialized bicycles and other pieces of mobility equipment to children in Iowa. Additionally, she spearheaded the development of four inclusive Variety Star playgrounds, located in Des Moines’ Ewing Park and Riverview Park, Clive’s Greenbelt, and Cedar Rapids’ Noelridge Park. She was also responsible for implementing Variety’s Compassion Fund which provides local hospitals funds to immediately distribute to families with critically ill children.

Sheri has been a key part of what makes Variety special for the last 24 years. While we're very sad to see her go, we're excited for her new adventures! The Board of Directors at Variety Iowa commends Sheri McMichael for her outstanding leadership and commitment to the organization's mission. The legacy she leaves behind will continue to inspire and guide the organization's future endeavors.

After an extremely thorough search process lead by Career Search Associates of West Des Moines, Variety and its Board of Directors are proud to announce that Wendy Ingham will join Variety as its new Executive Director. Wendy joins Variety after six years at Orchard Place as the Vice President of Development. Her professional career includes nonprofit organization management, event planning, strategic fundraising, grant writing, and planned giving. Previous to her role at Orchard Place, Wendy spent eight years as the Director of Development and Annual Fund Coordinator for Youth Homes of Mid-America. She has been a very active volunteer with organizations including The Junior League of Des Moines and the Western Hills Elementary School Parent Teachers Organization. She currently is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Mid-Iowa Planned Giving Council. Wendy holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism & Communication Studies from the University of Iowa.

"Growing up in the Des Moines area, I am well aware of the impact and legacy of Variety – the Children’s Charity in the state of Iowa,” said Wendy. “I have witnessed firsthand the impact of Variety's grants at the charities I have been privileged to serve. I am truly humbled and honored to follow Sheri's outstanding leadership and all of the other board members, volunteers, and stakeholders who have worked so tirelessly to improve the lives of Iowa children. I understand this life-changing work takes a community and I am beyond excited to meet Variety's many supporters and to work alongside them."

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