Extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to community service
Volunteers of America Oregon (VOA Oregon) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maree Wacker as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Wacker brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to community service, making her well-positioned to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact.
Following an extensive nationwide search that included input from VOA Oregon staff
and stakeholders, Wacker emerged as the clear choice among more than 130
candidates. She succeeds Kay Toran, who has served as VOA Oregon’s esteemed
leader for over 25 years. Toran has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s
mission-driven work, expanding programs, and strengthening community partnerships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Maree as the next President and CEO of Volunteers of
America Oregon,” said Bruce Warner, Chair of the VOA Oregon Board of Directors.
“Her impressive leadership experience, vision for the future, and deep commitment to
serving the most vulnerable members of our community make her the perfect fit for this
role. We are confident she will build upon Kay Toran’s remarkable legacy and continue
advancing our mission.”
Wacker most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Fora Health, where she led
the organization’s rebranding from DePaul Treatment Centers and oversaw the
development of a state-of-the-art facility focused on whole-person care. Prior to her
tenure at Fora Health, she held leadership roles with the American Red Cross, including
serving as Chief Executive Officer (Cascades Region) and Chief Development &
Marketing Officer. Her experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic development, and
program expansion will be invaluable as VOA Oregon continues its work in providing
life-changing services to individuals and families in need.
“Learning more about VOA Oregon throughout the search process has been a
privilege,” said Wacker. “I have been deeply impressed by the organization's impact on
the lives of Oregonians and the incredible dedication of this team. I am honored to
follow in the footsteps of a true Oregon leader, Kay Toran, and I look forward to working
alongside VOA Oregon’s talented staff, partners, and supporters to strengthen our
programs and expand our reach.”
Kay Toran expressed her support for Wacker’s leadership, stating, “Maree will be
joining a highly skilled and dedicated team at VOA Oregon. I am excited to see how the
organization continues to grow and evolve under her leadership.”
For more information about Volunteers of America Oregon and its programs, visit