Leadership transition positions organization for expansion, market development

COLUMBUS (September 21, 2017) – A Kid Again today announced it has established a new national headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, with the objective of growing the Ohio-based, non-profit organization, which provides adventures to sick children, into other states and countries.

Oyauma Garrison has been named as A Kid Again’s first president and CEO of the National Office. Garrison began his new position on September 18, after holding several executive roles in the insurance industry.

Garrison will take the lead in bringing forward a strategic plan for raising the scope and profile of the charitable organization’s services.  While the initial focus will be on adjacent states and key national markets, it is anticipated that A Kid Again could eventually have international operations. Garrison’s depth of expertise in identifying paths for development and his more than three decades of corporate leadership will be critical to securing support for and building an infrastructure that allows the organization to reach these goals.

“This is an incredible opportunity to lead an organization that is responsible for bringing joy to so many families, and to identify and implement focused, deliberate opportunities for expansion,” said Garrison. “I am honored to guide the organization toward new goals, secure meaningful partnerships and leverage key markets. The potential of A Kid Again is limitless, and with fundamental attention to our targets, there is every reason to believe we can be a national and global organization over time.”

He said A Kid Again often receives inquiries from families outside of Ohio seeking support for children with life-threatening illnesses, and that his intention is to develop and implement programs and services that expand the organization’s reach to serve families and children across the country.

In his national role, Garrison will be working closely with Jeffrey Damron, who has led the organization for more than two decades. He will remain on as executive vice president of the organization, providing essential insights and ongoing support for a seamless leadership transition.

“There has never been a better time to bring on a leader like Oyauma. With his extensive programming and business management knowledge, he will take A Kid Again to the next level,” said Damron. “I am proud and humbled to have served A Kid Again for more than 20 years, and I will continue to do so as our organization flourishes into a national presence.”

For more than 20 years, A Kid Again has been improving the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families in Ohio by creating unique, fun-filled adventures. The organization has grown from a single chapter to three chapters statewide, in central, Northeast and Southwest Ohio.

“A Kid Again is one of Ohio’s premier non-profit organizations, and Jeffrey deserves much of the credit for our success,” said Matt Monnin, Board Chair, A Kid Again. “We welcome Oyauma and admire his willingness to accept this new challenge, and to make this firm commitment to bringing joy to the lives of children. Our board is confident that the collaboration of these two visionary leaders will position A Kid Again for a vibrant future.”

A Kid Again has served almost 52,000 families across Ohio since 1995. The organization’s mission is to foster hope, happiness, and healing for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. A Kid Again works to create a communal and interactive environment for families to experience adventures together. Staff members and volunteers strive to go beyond activities, providing comprehensive, practical support to help families cope with the extended effects of life-threatening illnesses.