Vice Chair, OLE Health Foundation
Will Phelps is among the next generation of leaders here in Napa – both in the business world and the philanthropic one. And we are so fortunate that he has chosen to give his time and energy to our OLE Health Foundation Board. Joining in 2022, he has already made a big impact and was appointed Vice Chair in 2023.
Will’s passion for this community began when his family moved here when he was 12. After receiving his BA from the University of San Diego and his MBA from Sonoma State University, he returned to Napa to join the leadership team at his family’s winery, Joseph Phelps Vineyards. When the winery sold in 2022, he opted to embark upon an exciting new opportunity to fund a commercial real estate investment company with his father.
In addition to the OLE Health Foundation board, Will also serves on the Associate Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Napa Valley where he helps fundraise and works directly with the kids, coaching candidates for their Youth of the Year award speeches and interviews.
We spoke with Will about what drives his passion for this community and supporting the OLE Health Foundation.
What made you decide to settle in Napa after leaving for school?
When my family first moved to Napa when I was 12, it was a big change coming from a suburb of Los Angeles. There were a lot more outdoor activities to enjoy, but it took a while to adjust to the small town aspects of Napa Valley. With time, I grew to love the small, tight-knit community here. My wife, Amanda, who is originally from Orange County, had enjoyed visiting but was hesitant about the prospect of moving to such a small, rural community.
I wanted to expand upon my responsibilities at my family’s winery, so we discussed it and decided to make the move from Sausalito. Now that I’m no longer working at the winery, we have decided to stay in Napa to raise our four daughters, Emma, Lily, June, and Grace, because we fell in love with the community, and we wanted to be near our family members that live here.
What made you want to give your time and money to the OLE Health Foundation?
My grandfather, Joseph Phelps, was an avid supporter of healthcare organizations here in Napa Valley, including OLE Health. He was an extremely successful business person, but he had the humility to know that he couldn’t have accomplished what he did without the support of the people in the community. He wanted to give back. I greatly admire his humility and generosity, and I’m trying to honor his legacy and vision to help improve the lives of people in our community.
What does the OLE Health Foundation mean for our community?
For too many in our community, access to quality healthcare is a challenge. That is why ‘Clinic OLE’ was founded more than 50 years ago. But, providing care to those without insurance or who cannot afford to pay requires financial support. That is where the OLE Health Foundation comes in. Without it, the health centers would not be financially sustainable. Additionally, the Foundation supports programs and capital projects, including the construction of a much-needed new facility in Calistoga.
How can we engage other millennials – and even Gen Z – in philanthropy and supporting our community?
One of my favorite things about the Napa Valley is that people of all ages are eager to offer their time, talent, and money to give back to the community. Virtually all of the young people I know are contributing to at least one local nonprofit organization. We would love to see even more young people get involved with us, whether it’s through volunteering at community outreach events, attending or volunteering at the annual Vida OLE gala, or through donations given directly to the OLE Health Foundation. If you, your friends or family are looking for a way to give back to the Napa Valley community, I would highly recommend getting involved with the OLE Health Foundation and CommuniCare+OLE.
