New Executive Director Aims To Continue Helping Napa County Youth

NAPA, CA — If Given A Chance, a program that transforms the lives of high-potential Napa County high school and college students, announced Wednesday it has selected Elizabeth "Beth" Fox as its executive director.

Fox took over Jan. 1 from Peg Maddocks, who retired as executive director and will continue as a member of the IGAC Board of Directors, according to a news release.

Fox, a Sonoma County resident, has a strong background in leading educational and nonprofit organizations to increase revenue, build community partnerships, and connect to stakeholders. She earned a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of San Francisco. Her background includes fundraising, marketing, finance, capacity building and strategic planning.

“I am so inspired by the exceptional work of If Given a Chance and its positive impact since 1995 on the futures of over 400 students who faced profound, traumatic challenges,” Fox said. “I'm impressed with the energy, passion, and sense of belonging and community of both the staff and students. It is clearly a place where true transformation happens. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of an organization where young adults have opportunities to explore, discover, and thrive.”

Fox recently was director of development and marketing at the Sonoma Community Center and interim director of development at La Luz Center in Sonoma. Her previous experience also includes executive director of advancement at Notre Dame High School in San Jose; director of development and admissions at Presentation High School in Sonoma; and director of development at Justin-Siena High School in Napa, where she led several capital campaigns.

She lives in Glen Ellen, where she is a founding member of Impact 100 of Sonoma; serves on the Development Committee of Transcendence Theater; and is an active Sonoma Valley Rotary Board member representing youth services.

“We are pleased to welcome Beth as our executive director,” said Allison Haley, president of the Board of IGAC and Napa County District Attorney. “We have nothing but confidence in her ability to lead If Given a Chance to a stronger and brighter future, particularly as we embark on our partnership with Students Rising Above to better serve our students.”

“We also want to express our gratitude to Peg Maddocks, who directed If Given a Chance through the pandemic to sustain our momentum and success,” Haley said. “Peg led the charge to develop smooth operational processes, implemented critical digital operations, secured funding to bring professional expertise to our organization, and improved the overall quality of service for our students."

About If Given A Chance

If Given A Chance — or IGAC — identifies Napa County high school juniors who have faced extraordinary challenges and demonstrated a commitment to continuing their education to support 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 of obtaining a college degree or completing a professional/technical training program. IGAC believes in the transformative power of financial support, education, mentors, and role models to change lives and create new pathways for success.