CaringBridge Names New CEO

Eagan, Minn., (January 19, 2016) — CaringBridge today announced a new chapter as it positions itself for the future in the ongoing mission to make health journeys easier by amplifying the love, hope and compassion in the world. CaringBridge Founder and CEO Sona Mehring and the Board of Directors have selected Liwanag Ojala, CaringBridge Chief Operating Officer, as the new CEO, effective February 1.

After nearly two decades as CEO, Mehring will transition into the role of founder and chief ambassador, which will allow her dedicated time to advocate for the healing power of social networks and cultivate relationships with CaringBridge supporters. Her new role will also spread awareness of CaringBridge as a global nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey.

“I am very proud of the tremendous growth of CaringBridge during the past two decades and the impact it has made on millions of people’s lives. I want to do more by being an active ambassador for CaringBridge and speaking about the power of social networks and its impact on healing,” Mehring said.

Hired as COO in 2014, Ojala is “uniquely qualified to be the next CEO of CaringBridge,” Mehring said. As CEO, Ojala will provide overall leadership and strategic direction at CaringBridge. She is a passionate advocate for CaringBridge and will use her record of accomplishments at CaringBridge and her wealth of experience in leading digitally savvy businesses to ensure the continued success of the organization.

“I cannot begin to describe what an honor it is to be the next CEO of this incredible and powerful nonprofit,” Ojala said. “I have seen firsthand the power of CaringBridge and I will make it my mission to ensure that people know that our service is available to everyone at no cost. I only wish that I had been aware of CaringBridge when my own family, like so many others, experienced illness and loss while worlds apart.”

“This change in leadership as a part of the succession plan ensures the continued stability and growth of CaringBridge,” said the CaringBridge Board of Directors Chair, Beth Monsrud. “The organization will continue its commitment to its mission, on the same principles started by Sona in 1997.”

About CaringBridge


CaringBridge is a global nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey through the use of personal websites. Our mission is to amplify the love, hope and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier. CaringBridge is cost- and advertisement-free, with nearly 90% of all funding coming from those who have experienced the power of CaringBridge firsthand. Since its founding in 1997 by Sona Mehring, more than half a million CaringBridge websites have been created. Combined, they have received nearly two billion visits. For more information, visit www.caringbridge.org.