Leaving St. Jude’s ‘bittersweet’ for Vela

For nearly a decade, Dr. Christina Vela has not only been the CEO of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children but often a pseudo-mom to many boys and girls who have call the Ranch home. This has come by way of offering a sympathetic ear, the proverbial shoulder to cry on or being their biggest cheerleader.

Vela recently announced that she is stepping down from her position effective later this month. And while one chapter of her life closes, another opens as she will serve as CEO of a non-profit organization in Central California.

“I’ve been here nine years as CEO, which has been absolutely incredible, but I also started to feel that maybe it’s time for somebody else to take over and time for me to explore a new adventure,” she said last week. “I love this organization but it might be time to transition. I gave notice, without having another job and as things would happen, a recruiter contacted me. I went on one job interview and that’s the job I’m going to.”

Marissa Shoop was named the new CEO effective earlier this week. A feature on Shoop will appear in a future edition of the Review.

Vela said in a way the new job will be like going home, as she was born in raised in California but has lived in Nevada for the past 22 years.

“I’m ready for a new adventure,” she said. “I do believe we all have chapters in our lives and this organization has had many chapters in its history as we’re coming up on the 60th anniversary of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. I’ve been incredibly grateful to have had nine years in my chapter and nine years of my fingerprints on growth. I was here during COVID, so running an organization during a global pandemic meant there was a lot to do, a lot of growth and some pain.”

Prior to her time with St. Jude’s, Vela worked for Clark County but took a break to deal with some family issues. The county’s loss turned out to be St. Jude’s gain. But Vela was no stranger to St. Jude’s before being named CEO. From 2010-2013 she served as the chief program officer.

“Dr. Vela has led St. Jude’s Ranch with tremendous heart, vision and dedication to the children and young people we serve,” said Cameron Dadgar, board chairman of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. “Her legacy includes expanding programs and services, helping create meaningful opportunities for youth, and leading projects that will benefit families for years to come.

“Just as importantly, Christina brought compassion, deep care for her team and community partners, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child. We are profoundly grateful for her leadership and the lasting impact she has made.”

While she’s happy with her decision to move on, it’s bittersweet and there’s a lot she will miss. She said that starts with the staff, volunteers, the actual campus and, of course, the children.

“At the heart of it, I will absolutely miss the kids,” she said. “It brings me such joy that I get to hug kids and they all know my name and will scream it across campus when saying hello. Or, even when they’re mad at me because we held them accountable for something. I’ll miss that one-on-one contact with children, which is absolutely incredible. I’ve watched kids grow up here, graduate from here, get their first job. It’s all been very special to me.”

Vela also said she’s appreciated the partnership St. Jude’s has had with Boulder City, its residents and city officials.

That admiration goes both ways.

“So many children have been given hope, acceptance and comfort by her, through her and because of her,” said Boulder City Mayor Joe Hardy. “She made St. Jude’s still about the children. She expanded the campus and the mission. We have all been blessed by her service and leadership. We all wish her well and hope she continues to serve and share wherever she goes.”

Early in her tenure as CEO, Vela began thinking of ways to bring a facility to St. Jude’s that would serve young girls who have been victims of sex trafficking. About five years ago that dream began taking shape and on Oct. 30, 2024, they opened the Healing Center campus along with the Amy Ayoub Academy of Hope.

“How do we find hope, love and joy for ourselves?” Vela said to the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “How do we help those who are voiceless to see and feel compassion? We’re not the first to ask these questions. In fact, these questions have inspired many generations to make radical changes. To link arms for change. And here we are.”

She then went on to say, “The urgent need to protect each other is stronger than ever. We must shield ourselves from apathy because we are responsible to be the change the world needs and the truth is, if we don’t do it, who will? And if not now, when? We’re here and we did it. We’ve written a new chapter in the legacy of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and for our community. I hope you are all proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

On hand during the Healing Center’s opening were several dignitaries including U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who praised Vela’s determination both then and earlier this month when contacted regarding Vela’s impending departure.

“For years, I have seen Dr. Christina Vela fight on behalf of Southern Nevada’s most vulnerable children and families,” Cortez Masto told the Review. “I was honored to stand beside her at the grand opening of the St. Jude’s Healing Center, which was only possible thanks to her dedication and tireless efforts. I am so grateful for Dr. Vela’s years of advocacy, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”