If Given A Chance Welcomes Peg Maddocks as New Executive Director

If Given A Chance Welcomes Peg Maddocks as New Executive Director

Napa, California – If Given A Chance (IGAC), a Napa-based non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of high-potential but disadvantaged students, has named Peg Maddocks as its new executive director.

Maddocks, an IGAC board member for the past two years, assumes the role after retiring as executive director of NapaLearns, a Napa education non-profit organization, in 2021. Her leadership positions have included chief executive officer of Maddocks Learning, a consulting firm that specialized in helping school leaders design and implement technology solutions; senior educational consultant with the American Productivity and Quality Center; and director of various learning and development groups at Cisco Systems for over14 years.

She holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Michigan State University. She earned her master’s degree in educational administration and bachelor of science degree in education/special education from Rhode Island College. She began her professional life as a teacher, principal, and program director in a K-12 public school district in Massachusetts.

“I am honored to be appointed the executive director of If Given a Chance. This organization, which was founded in 1995, has provided support, funding, and encouragement to enable hundreds of students to complete college and vocational programs and launch their careers,” Maddocks said. “I am excited to help the board take the organization to the next level in the coming year by implementing our new strategic plan to scale up to helping 100 students a year.”

Maddocks replaces Michael Mulcahy, who successfully led IGAC over the past five years as part-time executive director. Under Mulcahy’s leadership, IGAC established a strong fundraising platform, a fundraising board, and record growth in revenue and assets. Mulcahy also oversaw a tripling in the number of board members and expansion of the program to include mentoring, an alumni council, new giving circles, and named scholarships. He also led IGAC’s expansion to include high school juniors and the accompanying financial commitment. Mulcahy, a past IGAC board president, has been reelected to the board.

About If Given a Chance

If Given A Chance identifies Napa County high school juniors who have overcome extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education and supports their positive path to success. IGAC helps students regain their sense of self-worth, emotional balance, and independent living skills through mentoring, life-skills training, and financial assistance. IGAC provides ongoing support as these students navigate the challenges obtaining a college degree or completing a vocational training program.

IGAC believes in the transformative power of education, mentors and role models to change lives and create new pathways for success. IGAC helps students achieve job security, increased earning potential, and provides support for a healthy future.