May 6th, 2025 [Orlando, FL]

Two Florida-based nonprofit organizations with a shared philanthropic heritage today announced a leadership transition rooted in a legacy of service. Caroline Schumacher, President & CEO of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF), will step into the role of President & CEO at Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) this June, returning to an organization where she spent nearly two decades. The transition represents a meaningful continuation of leadership grounded in the vision and values championed by hotelier and philanthropist Henri Landwirth, whose influence helped shape the founding of both organizations, together with his close colleagues and friends, the Mercury 7 Astronauts.

Schumacher, a passionate and accomplished nonprofit executive, has served ASF for the past six years, leading the organization through a period of growth in scholarship funding, corporate partnerships and alumni engagement. Under her direction, ASF expanded its reach and reputation as a premier advocate for the next generation of STEM innovators.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve the mission of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation and to work alongside these exceptional innovators of tomorrow, pioneering astronauts and the most inspiring leaders in science and space,” said Schumacher. “I am deeply grateful to the ASF Board of Directors, Board of Trustees, staff, alumni and supporters. Stepping into the role at Give Kids The World feels like coming full circle — honoring Henri Landwirth’s vision in a new way, for a cause that has always been close to my heart.”

The ASF Executive Committee will initiate a search for the organization’s next CEO. In the interim, the Board and staff will ensure continuity of operations and stewardship of its mission to support the United States’ most promising Astronaut Scholars.

“We are immensely grateful for Caroline’s strategic leadership,” said Curt Brown, Chairman of the ASF Board of Directors and veteran NASA Astronaut. “Her dedication to honoring the legacy of our founders — the Mercury 7 Astronauts, Betty Grissom, Dr. William Douglas and Henri Landwirth — while strengthening and expanding the Foundation’s impact has positioned ASF for a strong and vibrant future.”

At GKTW, Schumacher will guide the nonprofit in pursuit of its mission to provide critically ill children and their families with cost-free vacations filled with joy, hope and healing. Her appointment follows a thorough national search and reflects the organization’s commitment to bold leadership and compassionate service.

“Caroline brings a deep personal connection to the mission of Give Kids The World and a proven record of innovative leadership,” said John Nichols, Chairman of the Board for GKTW. “We are thrilled to welcome her as CEO and look forward to the next chapter of transformative growth and impact.”

Both ASF and GKTW were organizations that Henri Landwirth, a Holocaust survivor, helped establish, driven by his lifelong commitment to service and compassion. Schumacher’s leadership journey across both organizations speaks to the enduring power of that legacy.

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Media Contacts

ASF: 
Griffin Communications Group 
Abbi Martin; abbi@griffincg.com

GKTW: 
Give Kids The World 
Danielle Deabler; danielled@gktw.org

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About Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is an Orlando-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering astronauts. Founded in 1984 by the six surviving Mercury 7 Astronauts, ASF partners with industry leaders, universities and individual donors to support and reward exceptional college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Over the past 40 years, more than $10 million has been awarded to over 850 college students. ASF is a four-star rated organization by Charity Navigator. 

About Give Kids the World Village
Give Kids The World Village is an 89-acre, nonprofit resort built exclusively to serve children with critical illnesses and their families. Children visiting Central Florida on their "wish trips," stay with their families at Give Kids The World's storybook Village for weeklong, dream vacations. Give Kids The World provides meals, transportation, nightly entertainment, and complimentary passes to Orlando's world-famous theme parks and other attractions. There is never any charge to visiting families, and no child is ever turned away. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has served more than 200,000 children and families from all 50 states and 77 countries. GKTW is four-star rated by Charity Navigator, with more than 93 cents of every dollar it spends going to program services.

For more information, contact the Give Kids The World Village public relations team.