Susan Fenters Lerch, President & CEO
Susan Fenters Lerch is the president and CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Under Susan's leadership, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan has become one of the largest Make-A-Wish chapters in the United States, granting nearly 400 children's wishes this year alone. Susan's accomplishments with the Foundation include substantial organizational growth through the creation of an enhanced infrastructure, increased services (wishes), fund-raising, outreach, volunteer opportunities and community awareness.

With more than 20 years experience in the nonprofit sector, Susan serves as a consultant to nonprofit organizations through Ann Arbor's NEW Center and has served in leadership positions with the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan and the American Cancer Society. Susan is a volunteer with the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.

Susan received her Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and communications from Central Michigan University. She has been recognized by numerous organizations including United Way Community Services, Central Michigan University and the Hemophilia Foundation of Michigan.

Susan and her husband, Dan, reside in Ann Arbor, Mich. with their children, Jenna and Kiel, along with the family's "menagerie" of dogs.

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James B. Fahner, M.D., Chairman of the Board
Dr. Jim Fahner is serving a second term as Board Chairman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. He is the Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics/Human Development at Michigan State University and Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan. With his work in pediatric oncology, Jim frequently experiences the healing power of a wish through his patients and families.

Jim completed his undergraduate degree, M.D., pediatric residency, and pediatric hematology/oncology subspecialty fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Current community and agency service in addition to Make-A-Wish includes the Board of Directors of the DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Spectrum Health Board Committee for DeVos Children’s Hospital, Vice Chair of the Hospice of Michigan Foundation, Gilda’s Club of Grand Rapids, and Vice President of the Board of Education for Forest Hills Public Schools.

Recent board service includes the north american choral company, Michigan Community Blood Center Foundation and the West Michigan Ronald McDonald House. Jim is Past-Chairman of the Board of Hospice of Michigan, and serves on the Executive Committee of the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program and is the recipient of the Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Maker Award, the Philip McCorkle Child Advocacy Award and the Crystal Rose Award from Hospice of Michigan.

Jim and his wife Gail, an active community and hospital volunteer and Past-President of the Blodgett-Butterworth Hospital Auxiliary, are the proud parents of two daughters, Jill and Therese who are both students at MSU. The entire family are Make-A-Wish volunteers, and were the “founders” of the Huntington Wizard’s Ball, a major West Michigan fundraiser for the Foundation.

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