Laura Mitchell Joins The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation as Executive Director.

Targeting Funds to Make a Difference in the Greater Phoenix Area

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (June 4, 2013) – The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, known for transformational giving throughout the Valley, today announced Laura Mitchell, former Chief Financial and Operations Officer for Make-A-Wish Arizona, will assume the role of Executive Director. With Laura at the helm, the Foundation will be able to dig deeper to identify pockets of need in the greater Phoenix area.

Bob and Renee Parsons are well-known for their entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts across the Valley. Established in February of 2012, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has provided more than $18 million in critical funding to communities and organizations striving to make a difference.

“Renee and I founded the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation to address some serious issues in our community,” said Bob Parsons. “In partnership with some top-notch organizations across the Valley, the Foundation has done great work in a short period of time. With Laura’s help we will be able to do more … giving hope and a shot at the American Dream to the people in our community who need it most.”

“My wish for Laura is for her to become a catalyst for change across the Valley by helping The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation target our funds to make a meaningful difference in the lives and work of many,” said Renee Parsons. “Laura’s expert understanding of the non-profit sector will assist us in determining priority funding areas, evaluating the viability of an organization and assessing the impact of a gift.”

Laura began her career in accounting and finance after graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 1991. She joined the Big 4 accounting and auditing firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers and earned her CPA license in 1994. Laura served as a Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the Audit & Business Advisory Services Group, serving Fortune 500 clients.

For over eight years Laura has been a vital member of the Make-A-Wish leadership team, most recently serving as both financial and operations officer. Devoted to the Make-A-Wish mission and the wish kids, Laura will continue to serve on the organization’s board finance committee.

“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Bob and Renee for several years through Make-A-Wish Arizona and have experienced first-hand the change their gifts inspire,” said Laura Mitchell. “I believe the Valley is and will continue to be a better place because of The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation and the organizations it supports – and am honored to accept the role of Executive Director.”