Leadership & Governance

Adam Garone, Chief Executive Officer

of Starlight Children’s Foundation, is an activist, a change agent, and a social entrepreneur with a passion and purpose to have fun and do good while serving others.

His unwavering commitment and dedication to Starlight’s mission of delivering happiness to seriously ill children and their families through play-centered programs is a testament to his connection and experience with childhood illness.

After watching his then 3-year-old niece undergo seven months of the most aggressive form of chemotherapy, Adam’s life changed forever. He knew he wanted to be part of Starlight Children’s Foundation. In 2019, he accepted the opportunity to lead the organization and deliver happiness to millions of seriously ill children, just like his niece.

As CEO of Starlight, Adam strengthened the organization’s brand through a digital-first strategy that included a website redesign, brand refresh, and a renewed emphasis on storytelling centered on transforming hospital moments and improving the well-being of sick kids through Starlight’s joyful programs. Under Adam’s direction, Starlight launched grassroots initiatives, including Stream For Starlight, Fandom with a Purpose, Power of Play and Give Happiness. His leadership ensures that fun plays a crucial role in various fundraising initiatives, from content creators’ streaming sessions to engaging fun runs and events hosted by dedicated fan groups.

Adam continues to lead the Starlight team forward, playing a pivotal role in leading the team to fulfill its commitment to the equitable allocation of its programs to facilities serving medically underserved and vulnerable patients based on Census demographics. He has been crucial in leading the team to increase the number of kids served and Starlight’s revenue year over year, earning high ratings from reputable charity assessment organizations, affirming its commitment to transparency, efficiency, and impactful philanthropy.

In May 2024, the Los Angeles Business Journal named Adam Nonprofit Executive of the Year.

Our Board

As a 501(c)(3) public charity we are committed to best practice levels of governance, transparency, accountability, and financial management.

The CEO is responsible for managing the overall operations and resources of Starlight. The CEO reports into the board who collectively provide strategic direction and oversight.

Alisa Bowen
Chair
Alisa Bowen is an executive in global media and technology with decades of experience in driving digital transformation, innovating business models, and enhancing audience engagement. Her leadership cultivates teams and creates product strategies that yield sustained growth and impact.
The Walt Disney Company
Howard Cohl
Vice Chair, Nominations & Governance Committee Chair
Howard Cohl has decades of legal, business, and entrepreneurial experience. He is known for guiding organizations through growth and transformation. With a keen ability to “step into the shoes” of others, he helps organizations align their mission with the most effective opportunities.
Major, Lindsey & Africa
Shaunna Hatcher
Secretary
Shaunna Hatcher is a finance and operations executive who combines financial expertise with people-focused leadership. She leads teams in hospitality and business services while driving strategic growth, innovation, and organizational success at SH Smart Net.
SH Smart Net Inc.
Brian Karmelich
Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
Brian Karmelich is a tax partner at Macias, Gini & O’Connell LLP, CPA’s. He serves as a trusted tax and financial advisor to high net-worth families, trusts, estates and private charitable foundations.
MGO
Shawn Harpen
Audit Committee Chair
Shawn Harpen is a CEO, outside general counsel, and advisor with over 20 years of experience guiding organizations focused on impact. She combines her expertise in governance, sustainability, compliance, and risk management with collaborative, solutions-oriented leadership.
Previously with Patron
Kira Goldberg
HR & Compensation Committee Chair
Kira Goldberg serves as the Vice President of Film at Netflix, having held leadership roles for over two decades at Netflix, 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks. She provides executive leadership in organizational strategy and expertise in building high-performing teams.
Netflix
Carol Levey
Marketing & Development Committee Chair
Carol Levey is a leader in marketing and brand strategy, recognized for enhancing visibility, credibility, and revenue for products and organizations. She leverages her expertise in strategic communication, sales, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership to propel growth and engagement.
IEM, Inc.
Thomas Chou
Thomas Chou is the managing partner of the Los Angeles office of international law firm Morrison &Foerster. Thomas has devoted over a quarter century advising on M&A, joint ventures, and private equity and VC financings for investors and emerging growth companies in the US and Asia, in a broad range of industries.
Morrison Foerster
Sarah Cramer
Sarah Cramer is a leader in philanthropy and partnerships, with a successful career driving revenue growth for purpose driven global organizations. She has deep experience leading teams that specialize in development operations, major donors, foundation fundraising, and impact and evaluation, while at the same time serving as a strategic partner to executives and principals across political and not-for-profit arenas.
Climate Reality Project
Don James
Don James, a longtime video game executive, served as Executive Vice President of Operations at Nintendo of America before retiring in 2024. He is recognized for shaping the modern gaming industry, co-founding the ESA, and bringing decades of innovation and leadership.
Wikipedia
Patricia Lady
Patricia Lady is a senior financial executive with over 30 years of experience in the life sciences and technology sectors. She is recognized for raising more than $630 million in capital and guiding companies through IPOs, governance, and strategic growth.
The Next Level Up
Rechelle Porter (CCLS)
Rechelle Porter is the Manager of Child Life and Creative Arts Therapies at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, where she leads inclusive and healing care through therapeutic programs and advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her expertise ensures that children’s emotional and developmental needs remain central to their care.
UCSF Benioff Children's
Peter Samuelson
Co-Founder
Film producer and philanthropist Peter Samuelson co-founded Starlight and several other charities. He is recognized for creating innovative programs that utilize media, technology, and compassion to enhance the lives of seriously ill children.
PhilmCo Media LLC
Jeff Small
Jeff Small is the CEO of Amblin Entertainment, where he oversees all of the operations for Steven Spielberg's film and television business. He has 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with roles at Disney, Universal, Revolution, DreamWorks, and Amblin.
Amblin Entertainment
Paula Whiteman (MD, FACEP, FAAP)
Dr. Paula Whiteman is an emergency physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, possessing extensive experience in both pediatric and emergency medicine. She brings clinical expertise, leadership, and advocacy to improve healthcare outcomes for children and families.
Cedars-Sinai
Dawn Wilcox Verrecchia
Dawn Wilcox Verrecchia is an executive in marketing, fundraising, and public relations, known for leading strategic campaigns, managing reputations, and driving business development to enhance growth and impact for healthcare and nonprofit organizations focused on children.
Children's Hospital LA