SeriousFun Children's Network Welcomes New Members to Its Board of Directors

SeriousFun Children's Network Expands Leadership Team

On November 14, 2025, SeriousFun Children's Network, a pioneer in providing medical specialty camps for children dealing with serious illnesses, announced the joyful addition of Denise Bailey-Castro and Camilla Castro to its Board of Directors. Founded by the beloved actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, this innovative organization has dedicated itself to offering transformative camp experiences for children and their families at no cost.

Blake Maher, the CEO of SeriousFun, enthusiastically welcomed the new board members, emphasizing their exceptional backgrounds and shared commitment to enhancing the lives of children facing health challenges. He stated that both women will bring invaluable insights and dedication to the mission of SeriousFun, ultimately enriching the organization's global impact.

Denise Bailey-Castro: A Visionary Leader

Denise Bailey-Castro is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Westbrook, an independent entertainment studio co-founded by actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Her vast experience in the entertainment sector includes extensive knowledge in financial strategy and operational transformation. Prior to her role at Westbrook, she served as Brand CFO for BET Media Group at Paramount Global, where her leadership propelled the revenue to a remarkable $1.5 billion. Her efforts also included forging pivotal partnerships with notable creators like Tyler Perry and Kenya Barris.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Bailey-Castro is dedicated to philanthropy, serving on the advisory board of Frame by Frame Media House and having previously contributed to The Chapin School’s board. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, holding an MBA from MIT Sloan, an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania.

Camilla Castro: Empowering Change

Alongside Bailey-Castro, Camilla Castro joins the board, bringing over 20 years of experience in global business and transformation particularly within the financial services and energy sectors. Notable positions held at Shell and AIG equipped her with the skills needed to lead growth initiatives and turnaround strategies. Her proven track record includes enhancing performance through digital innovation, diversifying distribution channels, and implementing significant organizational changes across geographical regions including the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her most recent achievement as Global Head of Agility at bp highlights her capabilities in steering international business transformations.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Castro is passionate about social responsibility, serving on the board of Latin American Women’s Aid, a charity based in London that focuses on supporting marginalized women and children. With a BA in Economics from Tufts University and an MBA from London Business School, she is also trilingual in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, enhancing her ability to connect with diverse communities.

The Impact of SeriousFun

SeriousFun Children’s Network comprises a remarkable collection of 30 camps and programs designed to serve children with serious illnesses, fully funded by donations and partnerships with various stakeholders. Since its inception in 1988 with The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the network has delivered over 2 million incredible experiences to children and families from more than 50 countries. The unwavering commitment of SeriousFun to provide joy and support has significantly improved the lives of countless youth facing health challenges.

The appointments of Denise Bailey-Castro and Camilla Castro signify not just an expansion of leadership but also a renewed promise to uphold the legacy of SeriousFun. Their combined expertise in finance, operations, and global transformation will undoubtedly propel the organization forward in its mission.

For more information on SeriousFun Children’s Network and its incredible work, visit www.seriousfun.org.