The leader of Make-A-Wish South Dakota has accepted a position with Make-A-Wish America.

Paul Krueger has served as president and CEO of the South Dakota chapter for the past seven years. He has been hired as a chapter advancement adviser for the national organization, which is based in Phoenix. He will work with chapters across the country and will be based in Sioux Falls.

Make-A-Wish is a nonprofit organization that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

“We wish Paul well in his new position with Make-A-Wish America,” said Gina Hopkins, chair of the state chapter’s board of directors. “He leaves us on solid financial and organizational footings. We will begin our search to replace Paul immediately in order to facilitate a smooth transition with no disruption to our mission.”

Krueger will continue to serve in his role through January.

In the past seven years, the chapter has granted more than 450 wishes to kids across South Dakota, bringing the total to more than 1,320 since 1984. Under Krueger’s leadership, the chapter opened a regional office in Rapid City and established a statewide Wishes in Flight campaign.

“I absolutely love the mission of Make-A-Wish,” Krueger said. “It is a bittersweet decision, but I am thrilled to be able to remain with the organization and utilize my skills in a new way.”