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News:

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Concordia Place, names Grace Araya as President and CEO

Concordia Place, a vibrant mission-driven non-profit organization providing multigenerational programs including early learning, after-school, and teen leadership for Chicago communities, is proud to announce the appointment of its new President and CEO, Grace Araya. Concordia Place was founded by Concordia Lutheran Church in Chicago and is part of the multi-pronged social ministry of Concordia Ministries. This significant milestone results from a successful national executive search partnership with executive search firm KEES. Assuming her new role effective October 20, 2023, Araya will help the organization define its future and move forward into the next decade. Araya will succeed Concordia Place’s current leader and first President and CEO, Brenda Swartz, who agreed to remain in place until the Board successfully completed the search process. Swartz departs after more than two decades with an amazing record of growth and success and will turn over an organization with established systems and proven leadership in place.

Bringing 20 years of experience in early childhood education and over 5 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience, Araya is a strategic leader and mission amplifier. Her past work has brought missional work of an organization to a larger audience and broadened connections in the community. Focused on strengthening local communities’ ability to develop and implement community-wide, collaborative strategies that improve outcomes for children and families, Araya has a growth mindset and expertise in relationship-building, visionary leadership, and organizational growth.

In her role as Vice President of Community Impact for Illinois Action for Children, Araya led the strategic vision and implementation of the agency’s family engagement, partnerships, and community systems programs to support families with young children in Illinois. Directly overseeing ten programs, 40 staff, and an annual budget of $9M, Araya actively built relationships with national, state, and city partners, philanthropic partners, and community organizations to advance the work of the organization. During her tenure, Araya was instrumental in launching the Community Systems Statewide Supports training and technical assistance (T/TA) program for local collaborators and provided leadership in building out T/TA supports for the Birth to Five Illinois regional community systems effort.

Prior to Illinois Action for Children, Grace served in the role of Program Director for Eyes on the Future, an early education program serving Chicago’s north side. During her tenure, Grace secured more than $3M in funding through competitive grant writing to deliver Head Start, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership, Preschool for All, and Prevention Initiative programs and led the program in achieving NAEYC accreditation, Excelerate Gold Circle of Quality, and an Award of Excellence in Infant/Toddler Services.

Araya, a former refugee from Eritrea, grew up in a vibrant community in Chicago rooted in faith and service that inspires her drive to work and to lead with excellence. “My first job out of high school was a teacher’s assistant role in a preschool program and my first job out of college was to provide counseling to Chicago public high school students. I believe if we want to see a better tomorrow, we must invest in young children, youth, and their families,” said Araya. “I applaud the remarkable work and history of Concordia Place. Together, with the board and the entire Concordia Place team, I look forward to charting the course for the next era following the successful leadership of Brenda Swartz.”

Araya holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Art in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University, and a Master of Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.

“We were seeking a relational and visionary leader to continue our organization’s growth and its increased impact in the communities we serve,” said Board Chair Kimberly Boike. “Grace’s extensive experience, coupled with her historical and personal passions for our mission, will further evolve Concordia Place in creating a stronger and more dynamic future. On behalf of the Board, we would like to officially welcome Grace to the Concordia Place community and thank Brenda for her 20+ years of outstanding leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude to KEES for their exceptional partnership through the executive search process. Their dedication to finding the right leadership match has been instrumental. Thank you KEES!”

Concordia Place competitively selected and retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in executive searches for top nonprofit executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles, as its executive search partner in 2023 following Swartz’s announcement of her departure. A comprehensive search was launched, and Araya was ultimately selected from a passionate, motivated, diverse, and talented pool of national finalists. Concordia Place’s search efforts were led by a Search Committee including Board Chair Kimberly Boike (Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.), Rev. Stephen Bouman (St. Luke’s Lutheran Church), Daniel R. Formeller (Tressler, LLP), Andy Waters (Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA), and Rev. Nicholas J. Zook (Concordia Lutheran Church).

“Working with the entire Search Committee has been remarkable,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “Grace brings the necessary experience to amplify and enhance the significant mission of Concordia Place. KEES is honored to have been selected as Concordia Place’s partner for this important search. Congratulations to all on this exciting announcement!”

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 nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT CONCORDIA PLACE

Inspired by faith, Concordia Place envisions bigger and better tomorrows where rich diversity strengthens learning and growth for all. Putting faith into action through service to all neighbors, Concordia Place works to instill in them a sense of community, purpose, and possibility. Rooted in the Gospel message of God’s grace for all people, faith in Christ is a lens through which to view and evaluate all actions.

With 4 locations across Chicago, Concordia Place disrupts social inequities through access to top-quality education, enrichment, and hands-on experiences that include all children, teens, and families—together. By proactively addressing key social and economic needs, Concordia Place provides services that support well-being and maximize potential, which in turn helps communities thrive and remain vibrant. To learn more about Concordia Place please visit www.concordiaplace.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CONCORDIA PLACE MEDIA CONTACT:

Katie Bernabei, kbernabei@concordiaplace.org

Learning Bridge Early Education Center selects Executive Search Firm KEES to Lead Executive Director Search

Evanston, IL based Learning Bridge Early Education Center taps KEES to help grow and develop Learning Bridge into this next phase of strategic planning as Executive Director search begins.

Executive search firm KEES has been exclusively retained by Learning Bridge Early Education Center (Learning Bridge) in its search for its next Executive Director. Under the new leadership, Learning Bridge looks forward to building on its past, strengthening mission expansion, and creating a stronger and more dynamic future for serving Evanston and the surrounding neighborhood communities. Celebrating 80 years of serving the community, Learning Bridge began as a daycare in the basement of an African American church during World War II. Located in Evanston, IL, Learning Bridge provides equitable access to high-quality early learning in a caring and safe environment so that every child thrives.

A strategic thinker with a motivation for mission expansion, the next leader will be a positive cultural influencer who leads with transparency and is ready to represent and empower the staff to create an environment of excellence. This partnership adds Learning Bridge to KEES’ long list of education and youth-focused organizations. KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor will lead the search.

Learning Bridge’s Board of Directors selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “Our team was impressed with the knowledge and preparedness KEES demonstrated,” said Nikki Jarvis, Search Committee Chair. “The KEES team and their excellence in executive search stood out to us because they quickly understood our needs and the mission behind our caring community. We are thrilled to be in a partnership with KEES.”

As a premier executive search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top nonprofit executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles. KEES has strong partnerships in the early childhood education and policy sectors and values the work of educators who work with the youngest of children. As a leading nonprofit executive search firm in Chicago, KEES is excited to begin work at this pivotal time in Learning Bridge’s history. Dating back to 1944, Learning Bridge Early Education Center has deep roots in Evanston’s preschool, community, and civic life. KEES Founder and CEO, Heather Eddy, states, “This will prove to be an incredible and rewarding Executive Director opportunity to further the important mission established nearly 80 years ago. Our team is thankful to Learning Bridge for their partnership.”

All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. If you would like to recommend someone for this role or have any questions, please email inquiries@kees2succes.com. Further details regarding the Executive Director opportunity will be released soon.

About the Partners

Learning Bridge Early Education Center

Learning Bridge Early Education Center (formerly Child Care Center of Evanston) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that began as a daycare for 3-to-5-year-old children in 1944 during World War II. Learning Bridge is licensed through the Department of Children and Family Services and accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and has earned the ExceleRate’s Gold Circle of Quality. Gold Circle programs are actively engaged in continuous quality improvement and have met the highest quality standards in three areas: learning environment and teaching quality; administrative standards; and staff training and education. Learning Bridge is additionally a recipient of ExceleRate’s ‘Award of Excellence for Preschool Teaching and Learning’. For more information, visit www.lbeec.org.

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 human resources support. The partnership with Learning Bridge builds upon KEES’ long list of client partners who serve and support early childhood educational impact in a multitude of ways including Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center (Chicago, IL), Educare Lincoln (Lincoln, NE), Educare West DuPage (West Chicago, IL), and the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children (New Orleans, LA. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, 719-671-1129, jsheffler@kees2success.com

LEARNING BRIDGE MEDIA CONTACT:

Deb Schlies, 847-707-9004, debschlies@gmail.com

KEES Retained by Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission to Lead Executive Director Search

Executive search firm KEES has been exclusively retained by the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (SPCSC) in its search for its next Executive Director. SPCSC was established in 2012 to increase accountability and quality within Hawaiʻi’s charter school system. Based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and reporting to the Commission, the Executive Director carries the organization’s mission to continue the transformation of Hawaiʻi’s system of charter schools. Serving thousands of children throughout the state, Hawaiʻi’s charter schools have been a source of innovation and community engagement in learning. The new Executive Director will sustain the progress made to date and help achieve new levels of success.

Leading the search will be KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor. Also supporting the partnership is Randy Wong, who serves as a Strategic Advisor with KEES to support projects in his areas of expertise.

As a premiere executive search firm for nonprofit organizations that also partners with public Boards, Commissions, and Associations, KEES specializes in searches for top executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles. With a long history of placing accomplished executives 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. In recent work, KEES has partnered with the Washington State Charter School Commission, various public and charter schools, and other entities with a mission focus on education and/or early childhood education.

From early childhood education to general and specialty schools, community colleges, and four-year Universities, KEES has matched our education-focused client partners with leaders who have helped grow and shape education and systems to impact students, families, communities, and economies. Additionally, KEES has partnered on searches for clients that provide valuable mentoring, tutoring, and other support to K-12 programming.

The agency’s Commissioners awarded the Request for Proposal contract to KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “KEES proposal conveyed its expertise and competence. We selected them based on their responsiveness to our RFP process, their enthusiasm for SPCSC’s mission, and their search approach that tailors to each organization,” said Cathy Ikeda, Chairperson of the Commission. “The Commission is grateful for KEES’ participation in this process, and we are confident that KEES will help us identify an exceptional leader for SPCSC.”

KEES’ work helps ensure that each client partner’s missions are fulfilled and visions are achieved so that they can change the world through the meaningful missions they serve. The partnership with Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission builds upon KEES’ long list of client partners who serve and support educational impact in a multitude of ways.

“It is an honor to have been competitively selected to lead Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission into this stage of growth and transition,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “The SPCSC undertakes such important work to provide high-quality and diverse educational options for Hawaiʻi’s families, prepare students for future academic and career success, and contribute to building an equitable public education system in the state. We are thrilled to begin the partnership. The KEES team is strengthened by a local executive leader Randy Wong, who leads and partners with youth organizations that serve many students across Hawaiʻi.”

About the Partners

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana)

The State Public Charter School Commission or “the Commission” is the State of Hawaiʻi’s statewide charter school authorizer. The mission of the Commission is “to authorize high-quality public charter schools throughout the State”. The Commission’s strategic vision for the chartering of these high-quality schools is that they provide excellent and diverse educational options for Hawaiʻi’s families, prepare students for future academic or career success, and contribute meaningfully to the continued improvement of Hawaiʻi’s public education system as a whole. The Commission has responsibility for oversight of all 37 Hawaiʻi charter schools. For more information, visit www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov.

KEES

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

HAWAIʻI STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION MEDIA CONTACT:

Sheryl Turbeville, Sheryl.Turbeville@spcsc.hawaii.gov

Cradle Kalamazoo’s search for New Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Search Firm KEES has been exclusively retained by Cradle Kalamazoo for the Executive Director search. Cradle Kalamazoo is a collective impact Initiative that is fiscally sponsored by YWCA Kalamazoo. This role will also serve as the Vice President of Community Health (YWCA Kalamazoo).

The Board of Cradle Kalamazoo has retained KEES, an executive search firm for nonprofits, as its partner in the search for an experienced and accomplished Executive Director. The role also serves as the Vice President of Community Health for YWCA Kalamazoo.

The Executive Director of Cradle Kalamazoo provides strategic oversight and leadership in addressing the root causes of health inequities that affect infant mortality in Kalamazoo County. As the primary champion and face of the Initiative, the Executive Director will represent the tangible impact of Cradle in the community. Reporting to the YWCA CEO and the Governance Chairs of Cradle, they will build on the existing relationship and resources and strengthen the Initiative’s work, continually advocating for the purposes and goals of Cradle.

Under the Maternal Child Health strategic focus area of YWCA Kalamazoo, the Executive Director will supervise and guide a team comprised of four Coordinators (Public Health, Health Equity, Community Health, and overall Project), along with the WISH team (Women and Infant Supportive Health), with a grant-funded budget of approximately $1.2M and implement the 2023 strategic plan.

For more information on this leadership opportunity, please read the full Opportunity Guide here: https://bit.ly/ED-and-VP-Cradle-Kalamazoo-YWCA

Cradle Kalamazoo seeks an impact-driven individual, who understands the inequities and disparities that exist in public health and is driven for change, particularly for black infants and their mothers. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, possess stellar communication skills, and be able to communicate with key stakeholders and partners. They must embody a passion for the mission and be a proactive advocate for the Initiative.

This search is being managed by Randi Blasutti and Heather Eddy of KEES. Questions and confidential inquiries may be addressed directly to rblasutti@kees2success.com.

About the Partners

CRADLE KALAMAZOO

Cradle Kalamazoo (Cradle), a multi-agency community initiative housed within YWCA Kalamazoo, aims to identify, and implement evidence-based and holistic interventions in order to reduce infant death and promote respect for families, women, and their children. Operating with a Collective Impact model, Cradle conveys key partner agencies, voices, and experts, using a structured form of collaboration to improve birth outcomes. To learn more, please visit www.cradlekalamazoo.com.

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 human resources support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CRADLE KALAMAZOO MEDIA CONTACT:

Hannah Grabowski, hgrabowski@ywcakalamazoo.org

Center for Enriched Living Renews Partnership with KEES to Find Next Chief Executive Officer

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Center for Enriched Living, seeks its next Chief Executive Officer following the exemplary leadership of the organization’s departing leader, Harriet Levy.

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Chief Executive Officer for Center for Enriched Living (CEL). CEL is a privately funded nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to make new friends, have fun, and acquire new skills for social inclusion and independent living. KEES Vice President, Laura Weinman, and Project Manager, Megan Taylor, will lead the search following the successful tenure and upcoming retirement of the organization’s current leader, Harriet Levy.

This partnership builds upon KEES’ previous history and relationship with Center for Enriched Living. “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Harriet for her vision and dedication during her tenure. We are committed to finding a world-class successor, and are grateful to have her continued leadership and guidance throughout this transition process,” said Sue Bersh, President, Center for Enriched Living Board of Directors. “Our search committee is thrilled to retain KEES as our search partner of choice and we look forward to working with the KEES on this important search.”

As a premier executive search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Executive Director roles and has a successful history of placing accomplished nonprofit executives nationwide. This partnership builds upon KEES’ executive search history and expanding relationships with nonprofit organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Congratulations to Harriet Levy as she takes this exciting next step, embarking on a well-deserved retirement,” states Laura Weinman. “It is an honor to renew our relationship with CEL during this exciting time in the organization’s history. We look forward to partnering with leadership during this leadership transition and furthering CEL’s important mission to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.”

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and additional details concerning this upcoming Chief Executive Officer search may be addressed directly to Megan Taylor at mtaylor@kees2success.com.

ABOUT KEES

ABOUT CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING

For 55 years, Center for Enriched Living (CEL) has enriched the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, friendship, fun, employment, and community involvement. At CEL, members are empowered to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams.

Supporting hundreds of members annually, CEL members come from a variety of settings – homes, schools, and area agencies where people live, work, and attend day programs. CEL has no geographic boundaries and members hail from 50 different Chicagoland communities. With members aged 13-80, CEL is open seven days a week for teens, adults, and seniors. Members can choose to participate in innovative and unique outcome-focused programs that cover a wide variety of interests and budgets, and represent social, recreational, educational, and employment opportunities. For more information, visit www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Pasyk

angela@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org

Old Town School of Folk Music names Troy Anderson as its Senior Director of Education

Old Town School of Folk Music (Old Town School), a Chicago community arts and education non-profit and nationally recognized as the premier community music school in the country, announces Troy Anderson as its Senior Director of Education. Assuming his new role effective July 10, 2023, Anderson will serve as a key strategist for Old Town School’s education department. Anderson will be responsible for driving tuition-based revenue growth at the institution and overseeing Old Town School’s relationship with Chicago Public Schools and key community partners for Community Ventures programming.

With 22 year history of serving community music schools in the Chicagoland area, Anderson is a well-respected and experienced leader with a passion for music that is focused on providing access and engaging opportunities to people of all ages and abilities.

“I am honored to serve as the Senior Director of Education for Old Town School of Folk Music,” Troy said. “My love for American and cultural music, belief in what is possible through engagement, and passion for community align with Old Town’s mission, vision, and values in a way that resonates deeply with me. I am thrilled to serve our community through our impactful programs and look forward to working with our amazing team to advance our mission and promote lifelong engagement with music.”

Formerly serving as the Executive Director of Chicago Center for Music Education (ChiME), Anderson led the organization to experience consistent growth over the past several years as the annual budget grew by nearly 30%, participation in K-12 programs increased by 90%, and earned income and restricted giving increased by 41%. Under his leadership, ChiME implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion framework including a DEI position statement, and training and development activities. Anderson strived to increase the diversity of content within the curriculum while also strengthening the ability to successfully deliver anti-biased instruction. To address a gap in music education, Anderson oversaw the development of a formalized curriculum, resulting in two different models, one for typically functioning children and the other for children with disabilities.

Troy brings expertise that will help advance our mission and expand our education department,” said Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer Jim Newcomb. “His passion for arts education, his extensive professional experience, and his knowledge of Old Town’s education and community programs made Troy the best choice for this role. We look forward to our education and community programs growing and reaching far more people under Troy’s tenure. Thank you, KEES, for a successful search.”

Prior to his tenure at ChiME, Anderson served in leadership roles at two other Chicago area community music schools: Merit School of Music as Dean of Programs from 2007-2011 and David Adler Center for Music and the Arts as Program Director from 2001-2007.

A jazz trombone player, Anderson received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and Master of Music degree from DePaul University. Anderson has also served as Chair of the Western Great Lakes Chapter and the Members Council of the National Guild of Community Arts Education. In 2012 and 2013, he served on the faculty of the Community Arts Education Leadership Institute and as co-convener of the Chicago Consortium of Community Music Schools.

Old Town School of Folk Music’s Executive Director, Jim Newcomb, retained KEES, and a comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talented pool of qualified leaders.

“Congratulations to the entire Old Town School of Folk Music community on this candidate placement announcement,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “Troy will undoubtedly bring new ideas and vision for the future, building on the school’s core strengths and offering Old Town School a fresh and enthusiastic perspective.”

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a non-profit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with 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.

ABOUT OLD TOWN SCHOOL

Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music is the largest community school of the arts in the U.S. and a non-profit organization committed to celebrating American music and global cultures. Founded in 1957, the Old Town School of Folk Music provides a wide range of music, dance, and arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one’s interest, the Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 accredited weekly class offerings, private lessons, and over 400 concerts and community events per year both in-person and online.

The Old Town School opened its Lincoln Square facility in 1998 and expanded in 2012. The Old Town School operates three campuses located in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park and South Loop neighborhoods that include world-class concert halls, classrooms, an award-winning music store, a café and resource center. Children’s classes are also held at several suburban satellite locations. More information about classes, upcoming events and history is available at www.oldtownschool.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

OLD TOWN SCHOOL OF FOLK MUSIC MEDIA CONTACT:

Dave Zibell, dzibell@oldtownschool.org

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, College of DuPage, Names Vice President for Human Resources

College of DuPage (COD), the largest community college in Illinois and the second-largest provider of undergraduate education in the State, has selected accomplished human resources executive William “Bill” Dial Ph.D., PHR, SHRM-CP as its next Vice President for Human Resources. Reporting to COD’s President, Dr. Brian W. Caputo, Dial will serve on the President’s Cabinet and is the Chief Human Resources Officer for the College. Dial will build relationships with leaders and managers to facilitate the integration of human resources best practices across COD. His appointment takes effect on June 26, 2023.

Read the full College of DuPage press release here.

Dial most recently served as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at the College of Southern Nevada. He has also previously served in HR leadership roles at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, MO, Richland College in Dallas, TX, and Red Rocks Community College in Lakewood, CO.

College of DuPage retained KEES, a national executive search firm, as its executive search partner earlier in 2023. A comprehensive, national search was launched, and Dial was selected from a talented pool of top finalists. Leading the search efforts were Search Committee Chair Wendy Parks (Vice President for Public Relations, Marketing and Communications at College of DuPage) and Search Committee members from College of DuPage: Brian Kleemann (Senior Writer), Nathania Montes (Dean of Student Affairs), Kent Munsterman (Police Lieutenant), Michelle Olson Rzeminski (Senior Manager of HR Operations), Ellen Roberts(Vice President of Administrative Affairs), Jill Salas (Assistant Professor of English), Wendy Thorup-Pavlick (Student Success Counselor), and Joe Tungol (Associate Professor of Business).

“Bill is a powerful addition to COD’s already strong human resources team,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “He brings a rich career history in HR leadership in the higher education sector, with specific experience at multiple community colleges. Bill’s expertise will serve the entire College of DuPage community well. Congratulations to all!”

KEES supported this hire through our Executive Search service and was delighted to be selected as College of DuPage’s partner of choice.

ABOUT KEES

ABOUT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

Since its inception in 1967, College of DuPage (COD) has evolved into one of the nation’s finest community colleges, fulfilling its mission as an educational and economic agent of change for its students and the community it serves. COD is the largest publicly funded community college and the second-largest provider of undergraduate studies in Illinois. Serving more than 22,000 students annually, the College is in a community that supports its mission and continually strives to keep pace with the needs and demands of an ever-changing world. From the elected Board of Trustees to the faculty and college leadership and staff, COD understands the importance of maintaining relevance on all levels: interpersonal, academic, civic, cultural, and economic. COD’s leadership and educators believe there are few things more powerful than a mind engaged. To learn more about College of DuPage, please visit www.cod.edu.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

COLLEGE OF DUPAGE MEDIA CONTACT:

Brian Kleemann, kleeman@cod.edu

Joliet Junior College student joins KEES as its 2023 Summer Intern

Ivet Rosiles, a Joliet Junior College student, has been selected as the summer 2023 marketing and communications intern for KEES, a nonprofit and public sector executive search firm. Ivet will be working alongside the KEES team, supporting several marketing initiatives, and assisting in forming innovative marketing strategies while also coordinating the planning of the 10th anniversary celebration.

“We are ecstatic to have Ivet join our team this summer,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “Her background and motivation for marketing will be a great asset as we expand our presence on social media and begin planning for our 10^th Year serving clients. We are confident that Ivet will make significant contributions to our efforts, and we look forward to seeing her creativity and insights in action.”

As a student at Joliet Junior College (JJC), Ivet excelled in marketing courses and worked alongside her school’s marketing team, obtaining beneficial experience in social media, content creation, and marketing communications. She was selected to create the summer and fall TikTok ads for JJC. Additionally, she provided the athletic department with media posts that have gone viral on different social media platforms that have helped recruit athletes around the Joliet area.

A comprehensive and competitive application process was launched, attracting a diverse pool of qualified students from various community colleges and universities. Ivet was selected from a talented group of applicants for her impressive qualifications and passion for marketing.

As a First-Generation College Student, Ivet shared that her parents sacrificed to provide her the opportunities to develop and become the person she is today. During childhood, Ivet was diagnosed with a learning disability that presented challenges and struggles. With family support, she has learned to navigate various paths to accomplish success on her educational journey. “I would like to thank my family for always pushing and supporting me to work hard and want more in and out of life,” said Ivet. “I’m excited to bring my skills to KEES and thankful for the connections JJC has helped me create. Thank you to the entire KEES team for this wonderful opportunity.”

ABOUT KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with 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 www.kees2success.com.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Craft Alliance names Bryan W. Knicely as its next Executive Director

Craft Alliance, a visual arts non-profit located in St. Louis, MO, and nationally recognized as one of the premier craft organizations in the country, announced Bryan W. Knicely as its next Executive Director. Knicely will serve as Craft Alliance’s brand ambassador in a growing artist-minded community and will be responsible for the leadership and management of the organization with a special emphasis on resource development, community engagement, and focus on long-term strategic growth and performance. Assuming his new role effective June 26, 2023, Knicely joins Craft Alliance following the planned retirement of the organization’s departing leader, Mark Witzling.

Knicely is a well-respected arts administrator with over three decades of industry experience and an unwavering belief that art can transform lives and reinforce our shared humanity.

“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead Craft Alliance in this next season of growth following the exceptional leadership of Mark.” said Knicely. “I truly believe everyone is creative when they are encouraged and inspired to participate in the many forms of craft. I love craft, and I am very appreciative that contemporary craft is being embraced more and more by the larger (art) community. Creative outlets are life-changing for many, if not most, people. Having the opportunity to nurture one’s creativity allows that person to grow internally, as well as within their larger community, creating a passion for their own wellbeing and enhancing their sense of place.”

Prior to joining Craft Alliance, Knicely served as the Executive Director at Pyramid Hill in Hamilton, OH. Partnering with the Board of Directors, Knicely led all aspects of the organization’s operations, including curatorial oversight, administrative and financial management, fundraising, marketing, education, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives (DEI). Hired to professionalize their operations and staffing, his accomplishments for the organization included a long-range plan to prioritize Board vision, build a community collaboration of local cultural leaders, and write the first policy for DEI.

“As Craft Alliance embarks on its next chapter, we sought a leader to propel change,” said Board Chair Peggy Holly. “After a thorough and extensive national search process, the board and staff are delighted to have Bryan lead Craft Alliance as we build on the great foundation and positive momentum built by Mark Witzling.”

Early in his career, Knicely’s professional track brought him through St. Louis, where he served in leadership roles at Laumeier Sculpture Park and Saint Louis Effort for AIDS. During this period, he developed a deep appreciation for the arts community in the St. Louis region and additionally took ceramics classes at Craft Alliance. Other career experiences include roles with Yellowstone Art Museum, BalletMet Columbus, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and Stonewall National Museum & Archives. He is the founder of (Re)Create Consulting and has worked with the National Endowment for the Arts and has served as a grants panelist, published several articles, and presented at both national and international conferences.

Knicely holds a Liberal Arts Bachelor of Science degree in Management and Marketing from Otterbein University in Westerville, OH, and a Master of Arts degree in Arts Policy and Administration from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. Additionally, Knicely holds a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion from Cornell University and was selected to participate in the Harvard Business School’s Performance Measurements for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations in order to enhance the Creative Economy movement in Maine.

Craft Alliance’s Board of Directors retained KEES, and a comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talented and diverse pool of qualified leaders. Leading the search efforts were Search Chair Terri Jacobson (Former CEO of Jacobson Staffing, Inc.), and Search Committee Members Peggy Holly (Craft Alliance Board Chair and Community Volunteer), Jackie Levin (President and CEO AFB International, retired), Lee Kaplan (Business and Strategy Consultant), Paul Ellebrecht (Strategy Consultant at Collaborative Strategies), and Samantha Menezes (Director at Cigna). The Board of Directors ultimately selected Knicely from a strong group of finalists from across the country.

“Congratulations to the entire Craft Alliance team and community on this exciting placement,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “Bryan will truly help Craft Alliance launch into its next era with a vision that propels and cultivates the contemporary craft movement both locally and nationally. We are excited about the next steps in this onboarding process. Congratulations, all!”

ABOUT KEES

ABOUT CRAFT ALLIANCE

Craft Alliance is a visual arts organization nurturing and inspiring creativity to educate and enrich the community through contemporary craft. Established in 1964, Craft Alliance will celebrate 60 years of partnership with St. Louis artisans and craft makers in 2024. From its 15,000-square-foot location in the Delmar Maker District, Craft Alliance offers extensive community outreach programs, exhibitions, and education classes for all skill levels in a variety of mediums, artist residencies, youth camps, and a gallery shop. Each year, 15,000+ people come through the doors to experience a full spectrum of educational resources. Nationally recognized as one of the country’s premier nonprofit craft organizations, Craft Alliance is the only organization of its kind in the region solely dedicated to contemporary craft. To learn more, visit www.craftalliance.org.

Arts & Culture Leader Yoo-Jin Hong joins KEES as Executive Search Specialist

Yoo-Jin Hong, a versatile strategist with a passion for community action and positive change, joins KEES as Executive Search Manager. Bringing nearly 20 years of non-profit experience and having held a variety of positions in performing arts and cultural organizations, Hong will serve clients and candidates in a multitude of ways. Specializing in Executive Search, Hong will be responsible for providing a full range of talent acquisition and leadership services with a focus on candidate relations and developing a diverse talent pipeline, while working collaboratively with clients nationwide to support KEES’s continued growth.

“Yoo-Jin is a strategic professional with a diverse background and an impressive skill set,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “Her passion for nonprofits, in particular cultural organizations, will be a driving force to help continue to build and expand KEES work in the arts and culture space, and I am beyond thrilled to have Yoo-Jin join KEES.”

Most recently as Founder and Consultant at SeventhAbove, Hong provided coaching, consulting, and management services for independent artists, creative collectives, and mission-driven arts organizations. Bringing together her experiences as a lifelong musician and a gritty non-profit leader, Hong has provided tailored services for organizations such as Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Equity Arc, and Asian Musical Voices of America. She thrives on building supportive and inclusive environments for creative people to do their best work.

As the Executive Director of Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School and Festival, Hong was responsible for all aspects of organizational planning and operations, fundraising, financial management, internal and external relations, and oversight of the 15-acre campus grounds and facilities. During her accomplished tenure, she streamlined organizational practices to improve student experience and patron engagement. Hong also surpassed annual fundraising goals for 2021 and 2022 and increased unrestricted funds and cash reserve. Collaborating with the Board of Directors resulted in strengthened fundraising and donor engagement strategies and early planning of a multi-year capital campaign.

Prior to her time at Kneisel Hall, Yoo-Jin Hong served as Vice President for Guest Experience at the Adler Planetarium, where she oversaw the museum’s full portfolio of exhibitions, public programs, and guest services. In her commitment to equity and inclusion practices, Hong enhanced public programs to amplify underrepresented voices and launched collaborative programs with a variety of musicians, artists, Black and Latinx scientists, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Building on her leadership experiences, Hong is excited to bring her expertise to KEES. “I was drawn to the way KEES personalizes the search work to each client partner as well as the candidates seeking career advancement. The KEES team really invests in learning each organization’s underlying culture, strengths, and needs to find the right match,” said Hong. “I’m thrilled to join KEES, whose dedication to the nonprofit and public sector resonates strongly with my own values. I look forward to contributing my experiences to the wider network of purpose-driven organizations throughout the country.”

As a classically trained flutist, Hong’s early career path included tenures at the League of American Orchestras in New York and prestigious arts organizations in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras. Hong holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, and holds a third degree, in Orchestral Studies, from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. As an expert with knowledge and experience in her field, Hong was invited to serve as a Grant Panelist for the National Endowment for the Arts (Music Division) in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022.

Additionally, Hong has recently completed Cornell University’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate, and is currently working toward a professional coach certification at the Co-Active Training Institute. Hong is also an avid runner and triathlete.

ABOUT KEES

KEES MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com