LAS VEGAS, Nev. (June 29, 2026) – Make-A-Wish® Nevada is proud to announce that former board members Linda Richardson and Tom Burns have been selected as the first two individuals to join the organization’s newly established Emeritus Board.
The Emeritus Board is a distinguished, non-governing body created to honor former board members who have made exceptional contributions to the organization’s mission. Emeritus members serve as ambassadors, advisors and champions for Make-A-Wish Nevada, helping to preserve institutional knowledge and strengthen community advocacy while remaining separate from governance responsibilities.
“Linda Richardson and Tom Burns embody the spirit of leadership, generosity and commitment that has helped shape Make-A-Wish in Nevada,” said Scott Rosenzweig, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Nevada. “As our inaugural Emeritus Board members, they represent the very best of our organization’s past and future. We are honored to continue benefiting from their wisdom and passion for granting life-changing wishes.”
Linda Richardson: A Transformational Philanthropist
An early-era volunteer and the largest individual donor in Make-A-Wish Nevada’s history, Richardson is a philanthropic icon in Southern Nevada. She has dedicated more than 26 years to helping children with critical illnesses experience the power of a wish through her unwavering support of the organization’s mission, and in 2021 was named Make-A-Wish America’s National Philanthropist of the Year, selected from nearly 60 chapters nationwide.
In 2000, Richardson launched Make-A-Wish Nevada’s annual Fashion Luncheon, which has raised more than $11 million to support wish granting in Nevada. Her impact is woven into the fabric of the organization – from wishes she personally helped grant to the dedicated “Linda’s Wishing Counter” at the organization’s headquarters statewide headquarter in Las Vegas – The Wishing Place.
“Make-A-Wish has changed my life as much as I hope it has changed the lives of the children we serve,” said Richardson. “It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to support its mission, and I’m deeply honored to continue serving the organization in this new role.”
Tom Burns: A Pillar of Civic and Business Leadership
Tom Burns, executive director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, has dedicated his career to strengthening Nevada’s economy and communities through exceptional business, civic and philanthropic leadership. A Make-A-Wish Nevada champion for more than a decade, he served as the organization’s treasurer and later chairman of the board of directors, providing strategic guidance and financial stewardship that helped strengthen the organization’s ability to deliver life-changing wishes.
A CPA and former president of Cragin & Pike, Burns has held numerous leadership roles throughout Southern Nevada including chairing the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and on a variety of charitable and government-appointed boards and committees.
“Make-A-Wish Nevada represents the very best of our community,” said Burns. “It has been an honor to serve alongside so many dedicated volunteers, staff members and supporters who work every day to bring hope to wish children and their families. I am grateful for this recognition and look forward to continuing to support the mission in years ahead.”
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About Make-A-Wish Nevada
Make-A-Wish® Nevada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, empowering them with hope and strength. Established in 1982, Make-A-Wish® Nevada was originally split into Northern and Southern Nevada in 1996 but reunified as one chapter in 2024 to better serve the entire state. Over the years, more than 3,000 wishes have been granted to children across Nevada. Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, Make-A-Wish® Nevada is part of a national network that has collectively granted more than 400,000 wishes through its 57 chapters across the U.S. For more information, visit wish.org/nv
About the Make-A-Wish Nevada Emeritus Board
The Make-A-Wish Nevada Emeritus Board was established to recognize long-serving and impactful former board members while maintaining their engagement with the organization. Members serve in an advisory and ambassadorial capacity, supporting fundraising, advocacy and strategic counsel without holding voting authority or fiduciary responsibility.
