Paula Van Ness
Chief Executive Officer
Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation

Paula Van Ness has served as CEO of Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation since July 2004.  Starlight Starbright is an international non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of community and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness.

She founded or led several national nonprofits and also established America Responds to AIDS at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Previously she was CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, National AIDS Fund, National Alliance to End Homelessness, and AIDS Project LA.

Currently she sits on the board of directors of Independent Sector, as its Treasurer, and KaBOOM! which is an organization which is working to ensure that  there is a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.  She also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of The Patient Channel, a project of GE Medical and NBC and the Student Life National Leadership Board of the University of Arizona.

She graduated from the University of Arizona with a BS and received an MS from the University of San Francisco.