Nearly two years after
The nonprofit organization, which serves children with critical illnesses, announced the appointment Wednesday. Davis will officially take over on Jan. 2.
“I have always been inspired by the remarkable work of Make-A-Wish and the organization’s ability to fulfill wishes for children undergoing treatment for critical illnesses,” Davis said in a press release.
When Davis announced his retirement from banking in January 2017, he said he wanted to pursue “another calling” in life with a service-oriented mission.
He wasn't sure at the time what that mission would be, and there was some speculation that President Trump, who had just taken office, was considering nominating Davis to fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve’s board of governors.
“I know it’s odd to have a 58-year-old CEO leaving to go nowhere, but that’s really what it is,” Davis said during a conference call after he announced his retirement, as analysts
In addition to serving as CEO at Make-A-Wish, which is based in Phoenix, Davis will continue serve on the boards of the National American Red Cross and the Mayo Clinic, among other companies and organizations.
Make-A-Wish has granted more than 300,000 wishes for children since 1980, according to the release.
Andy Cecere, who succeeded Davis at U.S. Bancorp, praised his former boss and wished him well in his new job.
“Richard’s compassion for people, combined with his leadership excellence make him the perfect choice for CEO,” Cecere said in a statement. “We wish Richard the very best and know he will accomplish great things for Make-A-Wish and the families they serve.”
