News:
United Way of South Central Michigan Welcomes New Senior Director of Finance
United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI), a nonprofit organization committed to uniting people, ideas, and resources to foster thriving, equitable communities, is excited to announce the appointment of Heather Garcia as its Senior Director of Finance, effective March 18, 2025. This leadership role goes beyond traditional financial management, positioning Garcia as a key contributor to the organization’s mission of creating equitable, flourishing communities. This executive search, led by KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy and Project Manager Randi Blasutti, highlights the continued successful partnership between UWSCMI and KEES.
Garcia brings extensive financial leadership experience to the organization, most recently serving in key financial roles that demonstrate her commitment to nonprofit financial management, community impact, and equity.
Before joining the United Way, Garcia held key financial leadership positions that showcased her exceptional ability to drive organizational excellence. Most recently, she served as Director of Grant Management at YWCA Kalamazoo and Associate Controller at Kalamazoo College. In these roles, she developed deep expertise in nonprofit accounting, grant management, financial reporting, and strategic financial leadership. Heather also served in the leadership group, which was integral in equity-based training. Her career at Kalamazoo College reflects a strong commitment to strengthening financial operations, developing robust accounting practices, and supporting organizational missions through strategic financial stewardship.
Garcia holds a Master of Business Administration from Jack Welch Management Institute, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Internal Auditing from Davenport University.
“Heather represents more than just a financial leader for our organization,” said Chris Sargent, UWSCMI President and Executive Officer. “Her proven track record of working with equity-based local organizations and her deep commitment to diversity and inclusion align perfectly with our core values. She brings not just financial expertise, but a genuine understanding of how strategic financial leadership can drive meaningful community impact. On behalf of our United Way team, we are pleased to welcome Heather and extend our gratitude to the KEES team for their expertise and dedication throughout the search process.”
“I’m thrilled to join the United Way team because their dedication to creating positive change is truly inspiring,” said Garcia. “The organization focuses on collaboration and collective action to tackle the root causes of issues in education, financial stability, and health. United Way is committed to more than just temporary relief; they’re working on long-term, sustainable solutions that create equitable opportunities for all. This focus on systemic change, rather than simply charity, offers a meaningful path to lasting improvements in the lives of individuals and communities. I look forward to working alongside the talented team and the Board of Directors to continue building on this important work and making a lasting impact.”
UWSCMI partnered with KEES, a nonprofit executive search firm, to address the needs of a finance leadership role. After pausing an initial search to reassess organizational needs and structure of the finance department, KEES worked closely with United Way, meticulously redefining the role’s focus by listening intently, comprehensively understanding the market landscape, and carefully reevaluating the position’s title and strategic scope. Through an evolving process of a broad, national candidate pool, they identified Garcia as the ideal candidate who could transform financial operations while maintaining the organization’s mission, ensuring a strategic alignment that would drive meaningful impact.
“Heather is the model financial leader nonprofits need today,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “Her expertise in nonprofit accounting, combined with her commitment to equity and organizational development, makes her a perfect fit for United Way. With her local roots in Kalamazoo and her proven success in transforming financial departments, she is an invaluable addition to United Way. Congratulations to everyone on this critical next step in advancing the mission.”
About the Partners
United Way of South Central Michigan
United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI) mobilizes financial and volunteer resources, partners, and voices, to create equitable and lasting change for the most vulnerable people in our communities. Its creation is the result of the power of three legacy organizations—Capital Area United Way, United Way of the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Region, and United Way of Jackson County being merged in 2022. Bringing over a century of trust, know-how, and partnership to change lives in meaningful lasting ways, United Way tackles complex issues within the community that no single organization can solve alone.
Serving 6 counties, UWSCMI develops focused strategic impact goals specific to the region. These goals will address the most pressing social issues in the regional communities, in particular those related to financial instability among marginalized and underrepresented people. Learn more www.unitedforscmi.org.
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, compensation analysis, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
UWSCMI MEDIA CONTACT:
Tammy Mills, t.mills@uwscmi.org
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
Christ Community Health Services Augusta names new CEO
Christ Community Health Services Augusta, Inc. (CCH), a 501(c)(3) non-profit, faith-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), is pleased to announce Willie “Will” J. Jackson, III as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 14, 2025.
With over 16 years of healthcare leadership and FQHC experience, Jackson comes from Memphis, Tennessee, where he currently serves as Interim Chief of Staff and Chief Information Officer at Christ Community Health Services Memphis.
“We are pleased to welcome Will Jackson to CCH as our new CEO,” said Kevin Glass, Board Chair. “Will’s unique blend of healthcare leadership and ministerial commitment is exactly what we need to further our mission.”
“I’m thrilled to join the CCH Augusta team because I wholeheartedly believe in the mission to love God and love people,” said Jackson. “I live by the motto that healthcare is a mission field where we can serve both the natural and spiritual needs of others.”
Will’s appointment resulted from a successful executive search partnership with KEES, led by KEES President and CEO, Heather Eddy and Project Manager, Megan Taylor.
“From our first interaction with Will, his faith-inspired leadership stood out. He is committed to CCH’s mission to address the socioeconomic challenges that contribute to poverty and health outcomes in greater Augusta,” said Eddy.
Jackson holds a Master of Health Administration and a Bachelor of Health Sciences, both from the University of Florida. Additionally, he earned a Practice Workflow and Information Management Design Specialist certification from Delgado Community College and received a Leadership Executive Training certification through the John Maxwell Institute’s Potential 2 Results Program.
CCH’s Board of Directors retained KEES, and a comprehensive, national search was launched, attracting many diverse candidates both regionally and nationally. Candidates from 40+ states applied, and the Search Committee ultimately selected Jackson from an outstanding group of top finalists. Guiding the search were Search Committee Chair, Dr. Johnie Tillman; Board Chair, Kevin Glass; and Executive Committee members Cary West, Carolyn Williams, and Dr. Alicia Elam. The Board expresses gratitude and deep appreciation for the commitment and work of Interim CEO, Lance Luttrell, who has served since spring 2024.
“I am sincerely grateful for the work of the Board and KEES in helping to bring Will Jackson to Augusta to join and lead the ministry and mission of Christ Community Health,” said Dr. Robert Campbell, CCH Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer. “His personal and professional experiences along with his passion for the mission are a great fit for advancing our ministry and healthcare operations.”
About the Partners
Christ Community Health Services Augusta
Founded in 2007, Christ Community Health Services Augusta, Inc. (CCH) provides adult and pediatric medical, dental, and behavioral health services at five sites to uninsured and under-insured families from a 10-country region around Augusta, Georgia. Christ Community Health Services Augusta exists to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and demonstrate His love by providing quality, affordable primary medical and dental care to the underserved. Learn more at www.cchsaugusta.org.
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, compensation analysis, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
# # #
CHRIST COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES AUGUSTA MEDIA CONTACT:
Brittany McClure, BMcClure@cchsaugusta.org
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
KEES to Lead Search for Secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Washington State Office of Governor Bob Ferguson in the search for the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS is the foundational organization for human services in Washington State. It is the largest state department with over 20,000 positions with 19,638 allotted FTEs, spanning over 400 Washington General Service job classes, and operations primarily out of Olympia. In any given month, DSHS provides some type of shelter, care, protection and/or support to 2.4 million of the state’s 7.2 million people. The search will be led by KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy, alongside Project Manager Megan Taylor, with the KEES team offering valuable support and expertise.
The new Secretary will be appointed by the Governor and serve as a member of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet. This position will be a leader in the Ferguson Administration in ensuring for the delivery of human services across Washington and providing executive leadership, overall direction and strategic vision through the comprehensive administration, integration and coordination of services for vulnerable individuals and for families with economic, social or health needs.
“It is an honor to have been selected through a competitive process to lead the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) during this important period of transformation in the state of Washington,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “DSHS is critical in delivering essential economic, social, and health services, supporting individuals and families across the state. We are excited to begin this partnership.”
As a leading executive search firm, KEES specializes in filling top executive positions in the nonprofit and public sectors. With a strong track record of placing accomplished leaders across Washington State, KEES has refined a proven search process over two decades to meet each client’s unique needs. Past partnerships have helped secure top talent in Lacey, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, and the surrounding regions. This partnership draws on KEES’ expertise in working with organizations that provide essential services to foster healthy, safe, and empowered communities.
Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and requests for additional information regarding the upcoming Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services search can be directed to Megan Taylor at mtaylor@kees2success.com. More details about this opportunity will be shared shortly.
About the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
As a Department, DSHS is tied together by a single mission – to partner with people to access support, care, and resources. Their goal and commitment is to be a national leader in every aspect of client service. DSHS directly serves 1 in 3 Washingtonians, or 2.4 million individuals/family members per year, and accounts for approximately 18 percent of the state’s operating budget. DSHS uses those funds to carry out its mission by directly providing services to Washington residents who are in need as well as contracting with community providers for many services. To learn more, please visit www.dshs.wa.gov
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.
KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Envision Unlimited, selects Brandi Adams as its Chief External Affairs Officer
Envision Unlimited, one of Illinois’ largest providers of programs and services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities, has announced the appointment of Brandi Adams as its new Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) effective January 13, 2025. Adams will collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership team to oversee philanthropy, institutional giving, and marketing/communications. In this role, she will lead efforts to expand the organization’s donor base, develop and implement brand strategies, enhance marketing and communications, foster strategic partnerships, and strengthen relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders. The executive search, led by KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy and Project Manager Randi Blasutti, highlights the continued successful partnership between Envision Unlimited and KEES.
After 3.5 years of building and leading a similar team, Adams is excited to embrace the opportunity to bring her expertise to a larger organization. Before joining Envision Unlimited, Adams served as the Vice President of Advancement at the Chinese American Service League (CASL). During her time at CASL, Adams was pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission to foster transformation in individuals, families, and the community for an equitable future. She successfully developed and expanded relationships with corporate partners and foundations, driving increased financial support and engagement. Under her leadership, CASL’s philanthropic revenue more than doubled, and she spearheaded the department implementation of key performance indicators, dashboards, and reports to enhance transparency and track progress. During her tenure with CASL, Adams also served as CASL’s Director of Development and Communications.
“Brandi brings over 18 years of dedicated experience connecting stakeholders with the mission and work of nonprofits, helping them realize their philanthropic goals while growing resources and ensuring lasting impact for families in our communities,” said Envision Unlimited CEO Mark McHugh. “Her passion, strategic mindset, and collaborative spirit make her the ideal leader to support Envision Unlimited’s next phase of growth and increased impact. We look forward to flourishing with her as a key strategic partner on our leadership team. On behalf of Envision Unlimited, we are pleased to welcome Brandi and extend our gratitude to the KEES team for their expertise and dedication throughout the search process.”
In addition to her recent leadership role at CASL, Adams brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience to Envision Unlimited. She is a highly organized, goal-driven development leader with excellent communication skills and a proven track record of building strong relationships to help organizations grow their community support and engagement. Her prior nonprofit roles include Director of Resource Development at Lake Area United Way, Senior Relationship Manager at SmithBucklin, Corporate Development Director at the American Heart Association, and Community Representative for the American Cancer Society.
“I am deeply inspired by the impactful work that Envision Unlimited is doing to promote choice, independence, and inclusion for individuals with all types of disabilities,” said Brandi. “Their mission resonates with my values, as I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live the life they want, strive for their dreams, and build a future that is fulfilling for them. My experience as a direct support professional in a group home, during college, sparked my passion for empowering individuals to lead independent lives. I’m excited to contribute to Envision Unlimited’s vital mission, supporting individuals in reaching their full potential. I look forward to working alongside Mark McHugh and the talented team to continue building a legacy of care that evolves with the community needs and is delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere.”
Envision Unlimited first retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in searches for top nonprofit executive roles, in 2020. Throughout the years, filling key executive roles in partnership with the Envision Unlimited executive team has deepened the firm’s commitment and involvement in serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Adams earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Leadership Development from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she also completed her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. In addition to her academic qualifications, Adams holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, a Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from the IU Lilly School of Philanthropy, and recently completed the Nonprofit Management Essentials program through the Allstate Foundation, offered by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
“Brandi is a growth-focused professional with a proven track record of success as an experienced relationship manager and a strong background in the nonprofit sector. She is well-positioned to guide Envision Unlimited into its next phase, overseeing the philanthropy, institutional giving, and marketing/communications departments,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “We are honored to continue our partnership as Envision Unlimited’s trusted search partner and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead. Congratulations to the Envision Unlimited community on this announcement.”
About the Partners
Envision Unlimited
Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organizations serving people with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities regardless of age, gender, background, or ability. With a mission to provide quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities, Envision Unlimited has been a community provider since 1948, with a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services include novel day programs; community living options; employment, respite, mental health services, supportive housing, and foster care for children with disabilities. Beyond the day-to-day efforts supporting members and their caregivers in Illinois, Envision Unlimited is a staunch industry advocate with a far-reaching impact. As a vocal and visible advocate in the disability community, and through outreach, evaluation, and service planning, Envision Unlimited’s efforts help thousands of people become part of the community, transition them to safe homes, and access support services Learn more at www.envisionunlimited.org.
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.
As a premier search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top executive positions and has a successful history of placing accomplished nonprofit executives nationwide. This partnership builds upon KEES’ executive search history, commitment, and growth to building meaningful partnerships and relationships with nonprofit organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
# # #
ENVISION UNLIMITED MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Choporis, schoporis@envisionunlimited.org
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com