MIRACLE OF MOBILITY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Development - Major Gifts and Institutional Giving
- National Director of Development
Angela joined Free Wheelchair Mission's development team in 2005. As the national director of development, she faithfully cultivates relationships with major supporters and has developed a program that identifies like-minded individuals with a desire to engage in ministry with Free Wheelchair Mission.
In addition to implementing productive fundraising strategies, Angela stewards her passion for Free Wheelchair Mission by supporting communication and program activities. Her role also gives her an opportunity to cultivate relationships with volunteers and corporate sponsors nationally. She has organized numerous events that have successfully met or exceeded fundraising goals.
Angela is an outdoorswoman who enjoys running, hiking, and camping. She loves to travel and experience other cultures, as well as to lead small vision trips. Angela and her husband, Jason, worship at Mariners Church in Irvine, California. They have a daughter and a son.
Job Titles:
- Founder
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Leadership Team
- President
Job Titles:
- Donation Processing Analyst
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Member of the Manufacturing Team
Brad joined Free Wheelchair Mission in March 2020. He and his team lead efforts to establish and promote the mission and the brand, grow awareness, and increase fundraising for the organization.
Brad has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing, development, and operations for companies like Apple, Xerox, MGM Studios, and high-growth software technology startups. Brad also served as an executive at World Vision, where he and his fundraising team helped to find sponsors for more than 100,000 children-contributing over $100M in lifetime giving.
With his wife, Brad started a podcast called Purpose Nation, where he interviews Christian leaders in STEM fields. He's also a screenwriter and a fan of both science and science fiction.
Brad and his wife have two boys and are active in their local church. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Virginia.
Job Titles:
- Social Media and PR Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Board Advisor
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member / Board Advisor & Organizational Consultant
Job Titles:
- National Ambassador Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member / Retired CEO, Precision Pet Products
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman / Retired, COO / CFO, North American Distribution, the Capital Group
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member / Retired, Operations Executive
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member / Senior Advisor, Institutional Consulting Services, Beacon Pointe Advisors
Job Titles:
- Medical Programs Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Director of Development
- Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives
Georgia joined Free Wheelchair Mission in 2013 and developed Free Wheelchair Mission's first vision trip program. As the director of development and strategic initiatives, Georgia is responsible for cultivating relationships with major supporters in Orange County, California and managing Free Wheelchair Mission's advisory councils in strategic cities across the country.
Georgia is a musician at heart. On weekends, you can regularly find her leading worship at her local church or at a friend's worship gathering. She is originally from Michigan but now calls Southern California home. She and her husband have two children.
Georgia holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and International Business degree from Vanguard University.
Job Titles:
- Regional Program Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Associate Board
Job Titles:
- Regional Program Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Job Titles:
- Development Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Development Officer - Church Relations
Job Titles:
- Donor Platform Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Manufacturing Team
- Director of Manufacturing
Job Titles:
- Digital Marketing Manager
Job Titles:
- Logistics Manager
- Member of the Manufacturing Team
As the Director of Operations at Free Wheelchair Mission, Mackenzie is responsible for overseeing the operational and administrative functions of the organization. She leads the volunteer program, focusing on improving organizational efficiency and engaging volunteers in many areas of Free Wheelchair Mission's work.
A native Ohioan, Mackenzie grew up volunteering with and serving a variety of nonprofits, developing a deep passion for helping others and connecting them with resources and creative passions of their own. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications and Public Relations from Marietta College, Mackenzie has spent her career in the nonprofit field, tackling issues such as education and homelessness and working with youth and volunteers in different capacities.
In her spare time, Mackenzie can be found taking on a new DIY craft project or having game and trivia nights with her friends.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Treasurer / Retired, CFO and COO, Colony Capital, Inc
Job Titles:
- Development Officer - Major Gifts
Job Titles:
- Senior Development Officer
Job Titles:
- Foundations and Grants Manager
Job Titles:
- Development Officer - Major Gifts
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Executive Director
- Member of the Leadership Team
Nuka Solomon joined Free Wheelchair Mission as Executive Director in 2017 and was appointed CEO in 2019. She has the overall operational responsibility for Free Wheelchair Mission programs and management of its team, leading the strategic planning process and implementation of programmatic strategic initiatives for the growth of the organization.
Nuka has extensive experience in nonprofit fund development and operations, corporate giving, and mass-and-major-donor event fundraising. She also has expertise in identifying ways to engage and grow philanthropic giving within affinity groups or donor segment groups.
Nuka previously led major gifts fundraising and development operations for United Way of Greater Los Angeles, focused on finding permanent solutions to poverty-related issues in LA County. She also has previous experience in nonprofit fundraising through The Vision Center of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and The Luminaires of the Doheny Eye Institute, Pacific Palisades Women's Club, and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Nuka graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in studio art and has two young adult children. Because of her Haitian heritage, she felt called to work with an organization that has been making a significant impact in Haiti-providing renewed dignity, independence, and hope through the gift of mobility, at no cost, to wheelchair recipients and their families.
Job Titles:
- Volunteer Product Manager
Job Titles:
- Development Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Creative Services Manager
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Head of Marketing Business Unit Services & Performances in BOBST
Job Titles:
- Senior Human Resources Manager
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Marketing
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman Emeritus / Retired SVP Area South East, Hapag - Lloyd
- Chairman Emeritus / Retired SVP Area South East, Hapag - Lloyd AG
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member / Professor and Chair, Department of Physical Therapy, Azusa Pacific University
Vanessa joined Free Wheelchair Mission in May of 2006 and currently serves as director of programs.
She is responsible for the strategic implementation of Free Wheelchair Mission's vision and mission in the field, leading a team that manages operations, partner relationships, wheelchair training programs, medical supplies/gifts-in-kind (GIK), and field analysis.
Vanessa holds a degree in anthropology from California State University, Fullerton. Outside of Free Wheelchair Mission, Vanessa enjoys attending art and music festivals, and doing what she can to help create a more just world. She has a daughter and a son.
Wayne joined Free Wheelchair Mission in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of experience in finance and technology with organizations including Ernst & Young, Santander Bank plc, and Wycliffe Bible Translators. As the director of finance, Wayne is responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and all aspects of the financial function of Free Wheelchair Mission.
Wayne graduated in Africa with multiple degrees in accounting and finance. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and CPA. Outside of work, Wayne loves the outdoors and can be found most days training for triathlons. He and his family moved from South Africa to California in 2019. Wayne and his wife have three children at universities in Southern California and are active in their local church.