The Del Oro Division of The Salvation Army has exclusively retained KEES, a leading nonprofit and public sector executive search firm, in its search for two critical roles that support philanthropy. Headquartered in Sacramento, the Del Oro Division offers community centers and service offices throughout northern California and northern Nevada.

Nationwide, KEES and The Salvation Army have a longstanding partnership dating back over 30 years when KEES was still part of Alford Group; at the same time this renews the most recent Del Oro Division partnerhsip from 2106. KEES has frequently been retained to provide Executive Search and Consulting Services for professional staff roles across numerous territories, divisions, commands, and service extension units to help strengthen leadership structures and lead various consulting services. For these specific hires, expected to be open by the end of April, the search will be led by KEES CEO and Founder Heather Eddy and Project Manager Katie VanderKlok. The roles include: Divisional Development Director and Donor Relations Director.

“KEES is thrilled to renew our partnership with The Del Oro Division and Divisional Commander, Major John Brackenbury,” states Heather Eddy. “Our executive search and consulting efforts continually result in successful Salvation Army hires across the country and with this recent partnership, we will continue to drive The Salvation Army’s mission and ministries forward. They continue to Do the Most Good.”

The Del Oro Division of The Salvation Army reached out to KEES after seeking inquiries and proposals from other executive search firms and consultants specializing in nonprofit organizations. KEES was selected as the most qualified executive search firm given its history, experience, and prior work with many aspects of The Salvation Army.

“Selecting KEES was the right choice,” said Del Oro Divisional Commander Major John Brackenbury. “KEES is familiar with The Salvation Army and has a longstanding dedication and passion for supporting the mission of the Army. We needed leadership that was familiar with The Salvation Army and are thankful for the opportunity to work with KEES again to hire two critical and essential roles for our Division.”

If you would like to recommend someone for the Divisional Director of Development and Donor Relations Director roles or have any questions, please email KEES directly at inquiries@kees2success.com.

About KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com. Follow us on LinkedIn at KEES/Alford Executive Search and Facebook at Kees2success.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit.

For more information, visit GoSalArmy.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @SalArmyDelOro and on Facebook at The Salvation Army of Northern California.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

THE SALVATION ARMY MEDIA CONTACT:

Samantha Jarosz

Samantha.Jarosz@usw.salvationarmy.org

North Park University, Chicago’s city-centered Christian University, has selected Julie Fregetto as its next Director of Advancement Services. Fregetto assumes the role on April 18, 2022, and will be responsible for leading strategy, operations, and database management for the Office of Advancement.

“Julie brings many areas of technical expertise that will help advance the mission of North Park University,” said Gwen Williams, Director of Advancement at North Park. “She has the necessary leadership, operations, and database management skills we were seeking in our next Director of Advancement Services, and we thank KEES for assisting with this search to bring Julie’s expertise to North Park.”

Prior to joining Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Fregetto served in two roles at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). During her tenure at ELCA, Fregetto was one of the team members who launched the organization’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, Always Being Made New: Campaign for the ELCA, which raised just over $250 million in current and planned gifts. Additionally, Fregetto previously held roles as Senior Associate for a philanthropic consulting company in Chicago and worked for the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Business Administration in the Development Office.

“A long-term goal has been to return to higher education and serve in an academic setting where I can live out my passion for raising awareness and funds for student scholarships. It is my belief that institutions like North Park University uniquely form future leaders and professionals equipped to make the world a better place,” said Julie Fregetto, “and I am honored to be joining the North Park team.”

Fregetto holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Additionally, she recently served as Board Treasurer for the Illinois Chapter of the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement.

KEES supported this role through our Search Assistance service and was delighted to be North Park University’s partner of choice. 

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in nonprofit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. To learn more about KEES, visit https://kees2success.com.

ABOUT NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1891 by the Evangelical Covenant Church, North Park University is located on Chicago’s north side and enrolls more than 3,000 students across all levels of degrees offered. North Park seeks to prepare students for lives of significance and service through education in the liberal arts, professional studies, and theology. To learn more about North Park University, please visit http://www.northpark.edu/.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Sheffler jsheffler@kees2success.com

NORTH PARK UNIVERSITY MEDIA CONTACT

Mara Perlow, 773-244-5215, mperlow@northpark.edu

Congratulations to KEES placement, Joe Ancell, for celebrating 7 years of service at Outreach Community Ministries! To celebrate this achievement, we recently spoke with Joe about his time as Vice President of Donor Relations and Operations and what he is looking forward to in the future.

1. What do you most remember about the search process with the KEES?

At the time, I was a general manager at a company but didn’t like the industry. So, I was putting feelers out there to get back into fundraising. I was already connected to KEES when they reached out to me about this role, as they knew I had an affinity for foster care and social work. I had never heard of Outreach Community Ministries before, but it caught my interest, and I applied. I remember the search process being very thorough, which has proven to be a good thing, with two other members of the Outreach team also being placed by KEES. I was very prepared throughout the process, having met with KEES team members several steps before interviewing with Outreach.

2. What has been your greatest achievement during your time at Outreach?

In my role, it would always be growing relationships with the community, staff, and donors. I’m proud of increasing the awareness of Outreach with the donors and connecting them to the need of the people we walk alongside and serve as an organization. Specifically, I’ve grown some of our large fundraising events to become staples in our area and the go-to events in the summer. But those things wouldn’t be successful without the relationship aspect of connecting the mission of the organization with people’s desires and hearts and being able to fill some of the needs of those we serve.

3. What is your primary goal for this next year?

We have been in a lot of transition for the last year with a new CEO replacing the founder of 40 years and adding some new positions to the Development and Operations team with that change. We’ve also been focused on our work culture and recently did all-day team-building activities. As a result, I am excited to have a full team and utilize the depth of each person’s gifts as we move forward and plan to take Outreach into the new era of serving the community. COVID has been a lot on the team and the organization, so we are all excited about the direction we’re going and moving forward.

4. What would you tell your younger self during a job search?

Don’t hold too tight to the status quo because change will be a part of your life continuously as you serve the community and your organization. So, be patient and attack each day with energy. Also, rely on the great team that has been put together around you.

Thank you, Joe, for sharing your experience and your deep commitment to the mission of Outreach. Please help us celebrate Joe by congratulating him on this amazing career milestone! We wish you and the entire Outreach Community Ministries team all the best in the year ahead!

To read more about our current placements, click here. KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Director of Development for Rainbow Council, Boy Scouts of America (BSA). Headquartered in Lockport, Illinois and serving Will, Kankakee and Grundy counties, the Rainbow Council’s mission is to provide character development, citizenship training, and growth in physical, mental and spiritual fitness, to help create the next generation of leaders. KEES Vice President Laura Weinman will lead the search supported by the entire KEES team, including Heather Eddy, President and CEO. 

Council Leadership for the Rainbow Council selected KEES after a competitive bid process largely due to KEES’ presence in the Council area and after previously working together on a successful prior BSA project. “We recently worked with KEES on a special project where the revenue goals were exceeded,” said Ted Karns, Scout Executive. “For this search, KEES was ultimately selected because they were familiar with our mission, passionate about serving nonprofits, and experienced with Development searches. We look forward to partnering with KEES.”

With significant Chicago metropolitan area presence and a strong track record placing development roles nationwide, KEES looks forward helping continue the mission of the Rainbow Council, Boy Scouts of America. Further details regarding the Director of Development opportunity will be released soon. Please contact inquiries@kees2success.com for more information.

About KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

Congratulations to KEES placement, Peggy Asseo, for celebrating 13 years of service at The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International! To honor this anniversary milestone, we recently spoke with Peggy about her time as Director of Planned and Major Gifts over the past decade and the exciting events ahead.

1. What do you most remember about the search process with the KEES (or back then, Alford Group Executive Search)?

I remember the search process very clearly. I was at lunch with long-term friend at what was then Alford Group Executive Search (now KEES), who I had met in a previous search. Toward the end, she said, “I know you’re not looking, but I have this really interesting opportunity that I’m working on.” I was doing my own fundraising consulting at the time, and I was enjoying it. I basically said to her, “Oh, no, I don’t want to go to a large organization and that isn’t appealing at all.” And she pushed me to look at it because it was an impressive organization and had great leadership. So, I agreed! The timing was right to step into this role and explore what the future might bring.

2. What has been your greatest accomplishment at Rotary?

Working with a donor last year to bring in a gift of $15.5 million to establish a new Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East North Africa region. This was a culmination of years of work on the Rotary Peace Centers project, which just topped $188 million in gifts and commitments. The relationship that we had with this donor was cultivated over 10 years. She’s just a remarkable human being in her own right, and it has just been a joy to work with her.

3. What is your primary goal for this next year?

I am really looking forward to working with the new Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones. Jennifer is the first woman president, and she is inspiring Rotarians to support Rotary in so many different ways. I’m going to enthusiastically springboard into growing gifts, major and planned gifts in particular!

4. What would you tell your younger self during a job search?

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself that commitment to the mission needs to be balanced with a commitment to a supportive and respectful work environment. It is a change for the positive that I have seen over the years in the workplace — an understanding that fundraising professionals can and should have work-life balance.

Thank you, Peggy, for sharing your experience and your deep commitment to the profession of philanthropy. Please help us celebrate Peggy by congratulating her on this amazing career milestone! We wish you and the entire Rotary Foundation team all the best in the year ahead!

To read more about our current placements, click here. KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find an Executive Director for Curt’s Café, a unique program that provides something besides delicious treats and a comfortable space. Curt’s serves up good portions of hope and opportunity for youth ages 15-24 with job training, employment, life-skill building, and most importantly, confidence. KEES CEO and Founder Heather Eddy and Vice President Laura Weinman will lead the search.

The Curt’s Café Board of Directors selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “The KEES team and their excellence in nonprofit executive search stood out to us because they were familiar with our mission and their enthusiastic team approach gave us much needed confidence” says Rick Marsh, Curt’s Café Board Chair.

KEES’ history of helping organizations transition from founders or founder-like leaders is a hallmark of its work and accomplishments. For over two decades, the team at KEES has been a leader in offering a proven search process with creative and unique approaches designed to fit each client partner’s needs. The firm has completed hundreds of executive searches for nonprofits and related organizations in top level leadership and key resource development roles. KEES offers several areas of service that are designed to strengthen the people and processes that shape an organization.

For more information about the services KEES provides, please visit https://kees2success.com/executive-services/

2022 Desired Work Environment

More than 81% of respondents to a recent poll indicated that employees would prefer two (2) or fewer days in the office a week, indicating that hybrid schedules are here to stay. We are in an employee/candidate market and their conditions will set the tone for successful retention and hiring.

These findings are consistent with the thousands of conversations KEES has annually, specifically with job seekers and during general networking discussions. The pandemic has proven, that with the right setup and mindset, a large number of roles can be completed in a place other than “the office.”  Employers of choice will embrace a paradigm shift where effective work is not accomplished only on site.

From KEES’ interactions with employers, hiring managers, and job seekers, remotework is a question in almost every conversation. For some job seekers, desirable working environments will be a condition of accepting their next job. While many employers have not made permanent decisions on a policy (maintaining flexibility and adapting to the ongoing pandemic), KEES hears most employers stating that they will likely have 1-2 days of flexible/hybrid time weekly in the future, largely based on job function.

It should be noted that not all roles or employers can offer hybrid/work from home/remote. Client, patient, and member interaction must be in person for some organizations (healthcare, childcare, hospitality, etc).  When feasible, employers could consider allowing some flexible/hybrid time to those roles requiring direct interaction, potentially ½ to one full day per week, for administrative type duties (charting/record keeping, necessary communication/calls, required learning) that can successfully be completed outside of the physical workspace. 

If you are still struggling to define a hybrid work environment and need consultation on developing norms and polices around hybrid schedules, contact KEES! Insights are based on responses to a 2022 online poll and KEES interaction with our clients and others in the nonprofit sector through our work in nonprofit executive search and Human Resources consulting.

Fun fact: KEES became a virtual company (all work from home/anywhere) in 2014 and has created and adapted to make it our ideal work environment. 

NeighborHealth Center Board of Directors proudly announces Daniel Lipparelli as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 18, 2022, after a months-long national search to lead the organization through its next phase of continued growth and expansion. 

Lipparelli is a proven leader with 15+ years of experience in non-profit and healthcare leadership, coming most recently from Chaplaincy Health Care, a specialty health center located in Eastern Washington. His prior experience includes serving as the Executive Director of the Edith Bishel Center for the Blind in Kennewick, WA, and serving as founder and Executive Director of Transformed International in Kenya, Africa, where he spent over eight years working with local communities on providing food, education, and shelter for over 500 children, orphans, and at-risk teen mothers. Lipparelli serves on the Board of Directors for ReAct Kenya and as a volunteer advisor for Rehema for Kids, a Washington-based non-profit meeting the needs of children in Kenya. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in social work from the University of Nevada in Reno and is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree. 

As NeighborHealth’s next CEO, Lipparelli will develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for continued growth and thoughtful evolution that will allow the organization to keep pace with the immense growth of the Wake County area. Since opening its doors in 2018, NeighborHealth has provided much-needed care and services to more than 6,000 patients throughout our community, seeing a 42 percent increase in patients, year over year. He will oversee the organization’s growth strategy, which will be focused on serving more patients, expanding service sites, establishing new healthcare partnerships, and enhancing community awareness for NeighborHealth’s mission and services. 

“I believe very strongly in providing accessible healthcare to all and in the mission of NeighborHealth Center. After my passion for the Lord, I love people and serving others through the gifts God has given me. Healthcare has played a valuable part in almost every organization I’ve served over the past 20 years. I am truly humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead NeighborHealth Center during this next season of growth.” – Daniel Lipparelli 

In summer 2021, then Board Chair and co-founder, Susanne Berger created a search committee as Sue Ellen Thompson retired after a tremendous decade of involvement and three years as the founding CEO. Continuing the work in Ms. Berger’s honor, the committee utilized the process to discern the Lord’s voice and direction for NeighborHealth’s next CEO. The Search Committee was chaired by Sam Bass, founder of BeaconWealthcare, and Kelly Fuller, consultant in public policy and healthcare. Members of the Search Committee included Bruce Berger (attorney), Wilson Hicks (Thomas, Judy & Tucker, P. A.), LaToya King (Justice Matters), Jacob Rodman (Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic), Kimberly Shaw (Cherokee Investments), Michael Waldrop (Waldrop Properties). Lipparelli becomes NeighborHealth Center’s 3^rd CEO after interim CEO Larry Chewing transitions back to the Board of Directors. 

“NeighborHealth sought a servant leader for the role of CEO who could continue the faithful work of our founders in leading the growth of our incredible mission. We are so fortunate to have found Daniel, whose perfect combination of vision, leadership, and passion will allow us to take what God has given us and continue to grow it to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. We are thankful for KEES and their expert guidance.” – Board co-chairs Kelly Fuller and Sam Bass 

The NeighborHealth’s Board of Directors retained KEES, and a comprehensive, national search launched, attracting many diverse candidates both regionally and nationally. The Search Committee ultimately selected Lipparelli from an outstanding group of top finalists. 

“Daniel is the perfect blend of servant leader, entrepreneurial non-profit executive, and engaging ambassador that will ensure NeighborHealth Center flourishes in its next stage of growth. From our first interaction with Daniel, his unique qualities stood out. We congratulate the Board and Daniel on this exciting next step. -Heather Eddy, Founder and President/CEO of KEES 

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the non-profit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of non-profit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com. 

KEES Media Contact

Jamie Sheffler – jsheffler@kees2success.com

The Salvation Army Northwest Division, one of the Army’s four U.S. geographic service areas, is committed to doing the most good for the most people in the most need. The Salvation Army Northwest Division, a division of the nation’s largest faith-based charity providing a broad range of social services, has hired Marc Garcia as its next Divisional Finance Director (DFD). The DFD role is the highest position staff role in the financial area and reports to Major Terry Masango, Divisional Secretary for Business.

Marc Garcia is a career finance professional who has served in financial leadership roles in the tech, marketing, and nonprofit healthcare sectors in the Pacific Northwest. Most recently, Garcia served dually as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Triumph Treatment Services (residential and outpatient substance abuse treatment program) in Yakima, Washington. Marc’s key accomplishments over this past year were securing significant grant and COVID relief funds, as well as renegotiating more equitable contracts to better serve those most in need. Marc has often held dual financial and operational roles and enjoys the variety of work and strategic challenges involved in such positions.

“I’m most excited about how well the Northwest Division is positioned to meet the deep need across the region but specifically in King County. My sense is that public support for public solutions to homelessness and poverty in our corner of the country has waned. The Salvation Army has tremendous credibility across the state, region and country as an organization with integrity and effectiveness. Tapping into that wellspring of support at its high tide will be critical in widening the reach and deepening the impact the Salvation Army can make.” – Marc Garcia

Marc holds a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University with an International Finance focus. As part of Pepperdine’s international dual-degree program, he also earned a Master of Arts in Global Management in France. As an undergraduate, Marc earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California Santa Barbara.

“At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to doing the most good. We were seeking a cooperative, servant leader who takes initiative, can be flexible in assisting others, and empowers employees to bring out the best of their abilities to help The Salvation Army further our mission. With Marc, we found our servant leader and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team and look forward to working with him on our shared missions in the Northwest.” – Major Terry Masango, Divisional Secretary for Business

The KEES-Salvation Army partnership dates back over 30 years, when KEES was still a part of The Alford Group. For more than 20 years, members of the KEES team have partnered with numerous territories, divisions, commands, and service extension units to help strengthen leadership structures. Specifically in the Northwest Division over the last nine years, KEES has help place individuals in both leadership and staff positions.

“Marc leads as a servant leader and believes in intentionally building and mentoring his team to be their highest potential. The strategic financial and operational leadership Marc has provided to organizations parallels the needs with the Northwest Division. Marc has a true passion for providing financial leadership in nonprofit and faith-based organizations, and the entire KEES team looks forward to his continued growth to further the missions of The Salvation Army,” says Heather Eddy, Founder and President/CEO of KEES.

KEES is a retained executive search and consulting firm that builds transformative teams with diverse leaders. Founded in 2013 as an expansion of Alford Executive Search, KEES partners specifically with nonprofit and public sector organizations to provide an array of search, leadership, interim staffing, and human resources support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. Eighty-two cents of every dollar the Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide, and as a branch of the Christian Church, the ultimate goal of all programs is the spiritual regeneration of all people. The Northwest Division is led by Lieutenant Colonel Cindy Foley. For more information, please visit northwest.salvationarmy.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

Illinois Central College proudly names Arnitria Shaw as its Vice President of Workforce and Diversity. Shaw most recently served as the College’s Dean of College and Career Readiness. 

Her appointment as Vice President fills the position held previously by Dr. Rita Ali who retired from ICC after being elected Mayor of the City of Peoria in 2020. 

“Dean Shaw’s institutional knowledge and 20-plus years of experience as an educator, program director, trainer, and community advocate will serve the College well. She served as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services at ICC for many years. Her focus on student success and experience meeting institutional goals in both the College and Career Readiness (CCR) department and TRIO will help her succeed in her new role,” said Illinois Central College President Dr. Sheila Quirk-Bailey.

Along with serving as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services and Dean of College and Career Readiness, Shaw has served as a Student Assistance and Family Liaison Advisor at Peoria Public Schools; a Master of Arts in Education, Teaching and Leadership (MATL) Cohort Leader and Faculty member for Saint Xavier University; and as an adjunct faculty instructor at ICC. 

Shaw is working toward her doctorate degree in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in Leadership, Equity, and Inquiry at Illinois State University. She received her master’s degree in Education, Teaching, and Leadership from St. Xavier University and her bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education with a minor in African American Studies from Western Illinois University. 

Among her many community involvements and memberships, Shaw serves on a variety of ICC committees including the Intercultural Diversity Committee, President’s Advisory Committee, Student Conduct Committee, Behavior Intervention Team, Safety Committee, and the Student Completion Strategic Planning Team.  

Shaw is the owner of VisoPress and Productions. She is a recipient of the 25 Women in Leadership Award, the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Award, and the ICC Staff Diversity Award. 

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in nonprofit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. To learn more about KEES, visit https://kees2success.com.

ABOUT Illinois Central College

Through learning, minds change. We believe by changing minds, we can change the world.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Sheffler – jsheffler@kees2success.com

ILLINOIS CENTRAL COLLEGE MEDIA CONTACT

For more information about Illinois Central College, please call (309) 694-5422 or email us at info@icc.edu.