Meals on Wheels OC Announces New President and CEO

Madelynn Hirneise to lead the nonprofit after current CEO's 15-year tenure

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:52am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of meal trays in a neon color palette, conceptually representing the vital services provided by Meals on Wheels OC.A vibrant visual celebration of Meals on Wheels OC's mission to provide nutritious meals and support to seniors in the local community.Newport Beach Today

Meals on Wheels Orange County's Board of Directors has named Madelynn Hirneise as its incoming President and Chief Executive Officer. She will officially join the organization on May 27, 2026, coinciding with current CEO Holly Hagler's planned retirement after more than 15 years of leadership.

Why it matters

Meals on Wheels OC is a critical lifeline for seniors in Orange County, providing nutritious meals, social connection, and support to help older adults live independently. Hirneise's appointment comes at a pivotal time as the local senior population continues to grow, underscoring the importance of maintaining and expanding these vital services.

The details

Hirneise comes to Meals on Wheels OC from Families Forward, a leading nonprofit in Orange County serving families facing homelessness. At Meals on Wheels, she will oversee the organization's two programs in Newport Beach: the Meals on Wheels Weekday Lunch Cafe at OASIS Senior Center, which offers a daily lunch program, and the Meals-On-Wheels: Home Delivered Meals service that provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner to seniors living at home.

  • Madelynn Hirneise will officially join Meals on Wheels OC on May 27, 2026.
  • Current CEO Holly Hagler is planning to retire after more than 15 years of leadership.

The players

Madelynn Hirneise

The incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Meals on Wheels Orange County.

Holly Hagler

The current CEO of Meals on Wheels Orange County, who is planning to retire after more than 15 years of leadership.

Meals on Wheels Orange County

A nonprofit organization that provides nutritious meals, social connection, and support to help older adults in Orange County live independently.

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What they’re saying

“Meals on Wheels Orange County has long been a trusted lifeline for older adults and their families. Every day, this organization does incredible work to ensure seniors have access to nutritious meals, meaningful connection, and the support they need to live independently.”

— Madelynn Hirneise, Incoming President and CEO, Meals on Wheels Orange County

What’s next

Hirneise will officially join Meals on Wheels OC on May 27, 2026, taking over leadership from the retiring Holly Hagler.

The takeaway

Meals on Wheels OC plays a vital role in supporting the growing senior population in Orange County by providing nutritious meals, social connection, and resources to help older adults live independently. Hirneise's appointment as the new CEO underscores the organization's commitment to expanding these critical services in the years ahead.