Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), one of the nation’s premier youth orchestra programs, founded in 1946 to provide music education and instrumental training of the highest quality, has announced Jennie Oh Brown as its next Executive Director. Working in tandem with CYSO’s leadership team, Brown will build on CYSO’s mission of inspiring personal excellence through music by identifying new relationships and educational and performance opportunities for CYSO’s young musicians. This work will also include expanding community partnerships to provide musical training and access in under-served communities throughout Chicago and increase CYSO’s profile as one of the nation’s cultural and musical gems. Brown joins Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras full-time effective May 22, 2023. She succeeds Susan Lape, who led for five years and grew the organization exponentially, and departed in early 2023 to lead philanthropy at the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance.

A celebrated artist, arts administrator, educator, and visionary, Brown brings a wealth of experience and a wide-ranging skill set to her new position. Brown has most recently served as Artistic Director with Epiphany Center for the Arts, curating programs and concerts and developing educational programming throughout the landmark venue’s performance spaces. Brown previously served as Executive and Artistic Director of Ear Taxi Festival in 2021, founder, director, and faculty member of Credo Flute, and on faculty at Wheaton College and Elmhurst University. She is founder and director of Picosa chamber music collective, Artist-in-Residence at Epiphany Center for the Arts, and serves on the board of Chamber Music of America.

“CYSO has set a high bar for inspiring generations of young musicians and leaders,” said Brown. “Great music has the power to change culture and to heal spirits. It is more than beautiful sounds; We are creating citizens through this artistic life who are learning to lead, to encourage one another with empathy and kindness, and to serve the greater good. It is a true honor to have been selected as the next Executive Director, and I look forward to working with Music Director Allen Tinkham and the entire CYSO community to create an impact for years to come.”

In addition to her many administrative arts leadership positions, as a flutist, Brown has been an energizing and creative force in the field of classical music for more than 20 years in a broad range of contexts. As a recording artist, her solo album, Giantess, was featured in the Chicago Tribune’s Best classical albums of 2019: World premieres, historic revivals, and enticingly eclectic music (Howard Reich). In addition, as a CYSO alumni parent, she will bring a unique perspective on the impact and importance of the programming CYSO provides to young musicians.

“Jennie is a force within the Chicago and national music scene, and we are thrilled to officially announce her as our next Executive Director,” said CYSO Board Chair Ross Bricker. “We were seeking a collaborative, innovative, and inspiring individual as our next leader, and we look forward to growing and flourishing with Jennie’s background and expertise. I am confident that her vision and skillset will propel CYSO to new levels, ensure it remains a best-in-class program available to all, and bring the enormous benefits that CYSO provides to students throughout Chicagoland.”

Brown holds Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in Performance, Repertoire, and Literature degrees and the Performers Certificate from the University of Rochester, Eastman School of Music, in Rochester, NY. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy. Brown is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the diversity and inclusion and historical flutes committees of the National Flute Association.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Board of Directors retained KEES in 2022, and a comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talented and diverse pool of qualified leaders locally, domestically, and internationally. Leading the search efforts were Search Chair Brittany Viola (Former Attorney at Chapman and Cutler), Saurab Bhargava (Merge), Ross Bricker (Jenner & Block), Pamela Conroy, Bryan Miller (Leyden High Schools), Jennifer Myerberg (The Alvin & Louise Myerberg Family Foundation, Inc.), Angela O’Banion (Cook County Health), John Schladweiler (Schladweiler Associates, Inc., retired), and Hank Turner (Conagra Brands). Consultant Yoo-Jin Hong (SeventhAbove) also added to the Committee’s expertise. The Board of Directors ultimately selected Brown from a strong group of finalists that came from multiple sub-sectors in classical, youth music, and music education.

“Jennie brings a proven entrepreneurial spirit to the CYSO team,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy. “She is a recognized and admired national leader and artist. Her energy and creativity will further CYSO’s mission to broader and deeper audiences. Congratulations to Jennie, the Board, and the entire CYSO community on this exciting hire.”

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 CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS

With a rich history dating to 1946, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) is committed to educating, encouraging, and empowering student musicians so that they may pursue personal excellence both on and off the stage. Bringing together young musicians from diverse backgrounds in a collaborative environment that develops self-confidence, teamwork, and leadership, CYSO provides one of the most comprehensive music training programs in the country that inspires both musical and personal growth. To learn more, please visit www.cyso.org.

*Photo Credit: Forestt Strong Lafave

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CHICAGO YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS MEDIA CONTACT:

Abbey Hambright, ahambright@cyso.org

Storycatchers Theatre (Chicago), a non-profit youth empowerment organization that guides youth impacted by the juvenile justice system to transform their traumatic experiences into powerful theatre and storytelling, has selected Tasha Levy as its next Executive Director. Levy will be responsible for strategic planning, organizational development, sustainability, and key partnerships. Levy assumes her new role this week, following the successful leadership of former Executive Director Priya Shah and Interim Executive Director Rachel Hauben Combs.

With over 25 years of experience in education (both in the classroom and administration), operations, curriculum design, and program development, Levy is a specialist in strategic leadership. Additionally, she brings executive-level skills and expertise honed in both the private and non-profit sectors.

Prior to joining Storycatchers Theatre, Levy served as Chief of Staff for Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO) and Chief Learning Officer for i.c.stars in which she was responsible for monitoring the training program’s quality across multiple cities and ensuring the sustainability of expansion through empowering program teams. In both Chicago-based roles, Levy developed the team’s capacity to design and implement innovative programs that align with best practices and research. Additionally, she was an integral part of ensuring the programs and outcomes matched the goals and purposes of the funding sources, be it governmental or private/donated support.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead Storycatchers Theatre during this next phase,” said Levy. “The mission of Storycatchers resonates with me and I have seen the positive changes that can be made through the arts first hand. As a former educator, it was inspiring to see the impact of integrating music and theater in the classroom. It was a life-changing experience for me and my students. I am excited to continue building on the current framework of this amazing organization with the board and staff members that make up this dedicated team. I look forward to continuing the work of Storycatchers and inspiring positive change through the arts.”

Levy holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Chicago, IL, a Master of Arts in Education from National Louis University in Chicago, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL.

“We were searching for a passionate, vision-oriented, justice-centered leader and connector of resources and people supporting system-impacted youth,” said Kendra Freeman, Storycatchers Theatre Board Chair and Metropolitan Planning Council Vice President. “Tasha’s dedication to and enthusiasm for the mission of Storycatchers Theatre is inspiring and we look forward to growing and flourishing with Tasha at the helm. On behalf of the Search Committee, the entire Board of Directors, and everyone affiliated with Storycatchers Theatre, we proudly welcome Tasha to the team! Thank you KEES for a wonderful partnership!”

Storycatchers Theatre 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. A comprehensive national search was launched, and Levy was ultimately selected from a talented pool of finalists. Leading the search efforts were Board Chair Kendra J. Freeman (Vice-President at Metropolitan Planning Council), Search Committee Chair David Sowinski (Partner at Vantage Leadership Consulting), and Search Committee members including Edmund Buck (Youth Coach at UCAN Chicago and Storycatchers alumni), Rachel Hauben Combs (Interim Executive Director/Director of Development at Storycatchers Theatre), Carla Goldstein (Legal Industry Innovator Consultant), Gerald Lewis (Market President at BMO Harris Bank US), and Rhoda Reeling (Vice President, National Association of Realtors, Retired).

“The future holds enormous potential for Storycatchers Theatre and the youth they serve,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “KEES strives to help build strong nonprofit teams and leaders through executive partnerships and we are truly honored to have partnered with such a deeply committed group of board leaders. KEES proudly congratulates the entire Storycatchers Theatre team on this appointment.” 

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 STORYCATCHERS THEATRE

Storycatchers Theatre (SCT) guides young people to transform their life experiences into powerful musical theatre, developing the courage and vision to become leaders and mentors. By creating support for youth within the criminal justice system, Storycatchers Theatre prepares them to change their lives and emerge successfully from court involvement. With numerous dedicated resources, SCT strives to meet the complex needs of adolescents and young adults who have been touched by the justice system. To learn more, please visit www.storycatcherstheatre.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

STORYCATCHERS MEDIA CONTACT:

Elizia Artis, elizia@storycatcherstheatre.org

Little City Foundation (Little City), a vital and vibrant 501c3 organization offering a comprehensive scope of services and amenities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has named former Congresswoman and business leader Marie Newman as its Chief Executive Officer. Assuming her new role effective April 17, 2023, Newman will help the organization define its future and move forward into the next decade. Newman will succeed Little City’s current leader, Shawn Jeffers, who is departing following his planned retirement after 20 successful years at the helm.

With a background in nonprofit, private sector, and government, Newman is the nexus of where a nonprofit leader leverages tremendous strength in relationships from multiple sectors. Bringing a collaborative, yet decisive, approach to working with complex and interconnected constituencies, Newman believes expertise and a passion for the organizational mission are essential for a strong working partnership. She is a leader known to move missions and initiatives forward and brings her deep commitment to equity to the forefront.

Previously serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Newman was the first woman in history to be elected to Illinois Third Congressional district. Serving in this role as a Congresswoman, Newman worked on bringing breakthrough national economic, healthcare, transportation, mental health, labor, technology, and small business strategies and solutions to over 85 diverse communities. Newman was Vice Chair of Communications and sat on the transportation and infrastructure committee as well as the small business committee. In addition to passing six bills out of the house and two bills signed into law to date, throughout her Congressional term, Newman was directly responsible for acquiring $350 million in appropriations funding for her district.

“My personal dedication to Little City’s mission dates to when I first volunteered with my family in my formative years for the organization and when two of my cousins received Little City’s services. These memories are still vibrant and guide me today,” said Marie Newman. “I applaud the successful work and history of Little City since 1959 and together, with the board and the entire Little City team, look forward to charting the course for the next era of the agency following the successful leadership of Shawn Jeffers.” 

Earlier in her career Newman worked for multiple firms as a marketing agency executive and pursued many entrepreneurial ventures. Serving as Executive Director and Founder, Newman also established her own nonprofit, a national coalition of 70 nonprofits to combat bullying after one of her children was bullied. Through recognition of her work, Newman helped develop a curriculum and manual for anti-bullying systems which eventually made it to the White House level, where a Presidential executive order was established requiring all schools to implement anti-bullying programs.

Newman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and a Business Minor from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, WI. 

“We were seeking a compassionate, business-minded, and visionary decision-maker to lead Little City forward,” said Greg Burns, President of Little City’s Board of Directors. “Marie’s executive experience, coupled with her historical and personal passions for Little City’s mission, will help Little City in creating a stronger and dynamic future for the people we serve. We have no doubt that she, along with our passionate and talented leadership team, will move mountains. On behalf of the Board, we would like to officially welcome Marie to the Little City community and thank Shawn for his 20 years of outstanding leadership and wish him and his family all the best in his retirement years. I would also like to thank the entire KEES team for their dedication and commitment throughout the entire succession process.”

Little City 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 2022 following the retirement announcement of the current leader. A comprehensive search was launched, and Newman was ultimately selected from a passionate, motivated, diverse, and talented pool of national finalists. Little City’s search efforts were led by a Succession Committee including Board President Greg Burns (Principal Owner at MB3 Consulting), Julie Bell (Consultant: Strategic Beauty Marketer), Kelly Evans (Chief Human Resources Officer at Little City), Gil Fergus (retired, former Special Consumer Counsel at Illinois Attorney General’s Office), Heather Ritter (Vice President of Human Resources at Daily Herald Media Group), Dale Rublaitus (retired, former Director of Engineering at Motorola Solutions), and Matt Schubert (retired, former President at Paramount Staffing). 

“I have known Shawn Jeffers since he started at Little City. It was an honor to be selected as the Succession Committee partner and has been an extraordinary opportunity with deeply committed volunteer leaders. Working with Greg Burns, Little City’s Board President, and the entire Succession Committee has been remarkable,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “Marie….wow!! She brings the commitment and experience to provide the best opportunities for children and adults with IDD for generations to come. We are proud to have been selected as Little City’s search partner and are excited about what the future holds. Congratulations to the entire Little City community 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 LITTLE CITY

Little City Foundation (Little City) is a vital and vibrant organization offering a comprehensive scope of services and amenities to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). From its modest beginning, the agency has grown to offer services at its main campus in Chicago’s northwest suburbs, locations throughout Cook, Lake, McHenry, and DuPage counties, and at its Foster Care & Adoption offices in Chicago, Matteson, and Joliet. Established in 1959 and granted nonprofit status that same year, Little City was founded by a group of parents who dreamt of a unique and revolutionary environment for their children who “experts” often said should be institutionalized. Today, Little City serves some adults in the program that have called the main campus home for over 50 years.

Over 900 individuals are served in a wide range of residential settings and day programming including 24/7 supportive residential settings for children and adults, a therapeutic children’s day school, foster care and adoption, home-based family support, health and wellness services, and a variety of therapeutic day programs such as employment services, horticulture, fitness, and recreation.

Little City is unique and distinct in the array of services offered. Children and adults, along with their families, are served at a 56-acre main campus in northwest suburban Palatine, Illinois and other residential facilities throughout Chicagoland. To learn more, please visit www.littlecity.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

LITTLE CITY MEDIA CONTACT:

Tina Maraccini, tmaraccini@littlecity.org

Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC), a Chicago-based nonprofit organization committed to ending domestic violence through a self-help and empowerment approach, has selected Judi Golemba as its Development Director effective March 27, 2023. As a vibrant nonprofit professional with more than 20 years of development experience, Golemba will be responsible for supporting CAWC’s mission by ensuring the strength and sustainability of philanthropy at this pivotal point of growth and change in the organization’s lifecycle.

Golemba’s knowledge spans all aspects of philanthropy, including annual fund, major and principal gifts, capital campaign management, planned giving, event management, prospect research, strategic planning, communications, and alumni relations. 

“Our team was looking for an experienced Development executive who shares the agency’s commitment to saving and transforming lives,” said Stephanie Love-Patterson, CAWC’s Executive Director. “Judi’s experience, talent, and passion will help individuals find meaningful ways to fulfill their philanthropic priorities while helping to fund our powerful mission. Thank you to KEES for a successful search. This was a critical hire and Judi will be a great addition to our leadership team. I look forward to introducing her to the greater CAWC family.”

“My career has been devoted to working with or for nonprofit organizations that support the care and well-being of the community,” said Judi. “CAWC’s life-saving services that empower survivors to regain control of their lives are not only inspirational but motivating to me to do more. Only through programs like those of CAWC was I able to guide and assist others in finding the necessary support – finding their voice, securing their safety, identifying resources to assist them in becoming self-sufficient, and providing for their children. I am thrilled to be joining the team and consider it a privilege to work in a capacity to ensure the programs and shelter offered at CAWC have the support to meet the ever-changing needs within the community.”

CAWC’s Executive Director, Stephanie Love-Patterson, steered the hiring process beginning in late 2022. A comprehensive search was launched, attracting a talent pool of candidates. Golemba was ultimately selected from an exceptional group of top finalists. 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, consulting, interim staffing, and human resources support. 

“Congratulations to the entire CAWC team,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “We are grateful that Judi shares KEES’ commitment to helping CAWC achieve and deliver its vital mission. KEES was thrilled to have been selected as the search partner of choice for CAWC and we proudly applaud Judi on this Development Director appointment.” 

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 CONNECTIONS FOR ABUSED WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN

Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC) is committed to ending domestic violence. For more than 45 years, CAWC has delivered comprehensive and life-saving services to both adult and child victims of domestic abuse in Chicago. As a leader in the field of domestic violence, CAWC’s services have continually evolved to meet a growing community need. CAWC’s mission is to assist victims of abuse with regaining control of their lives through a trauma-informed, self-help, empowerment approach. CAWC works toward this goal through four primary program areas that together provide a continuum of domestic violence services, including a shelter for survivors and their children as well as counseling, advocacy, and a 24-hour hotline. All programs are free of charge. Learn more at www.cawc.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CAWC MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Love-Patterson, SLove-Patterson@cawc.org

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next President & Chief Executive Officer for Siloam Health. Siloam Health is a faith-based, charitably funded nonprofit organization that provides affordable, high-quality, whole-person health care to the uninsured and underserved in Middle Tennessee, health promotion among Nashville’s immigrant and refugee populations, and student education for the next generation of health care providers. KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy and Project Manager Megan Taylor will lead the search following the successful tenure and upcoming departure of the organization’s current leader, Dr. Morgan Wills, as he joins the faculty of the Thomas F. Frist Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University.

Siloam Health’s Search Committee selected KEES after reviewing and connecting with several nationwide recommendations. “Our search committee was pleased to select KEES as our search partner of choice. KEES was a unanimous choice and we look forward to working with the entire KEES team on this important search,” said Sammye Woods, Chair, Siloam Health Board of Directors.

As a premier executive search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles and has a successful history of placing accomplished nonprofit executives nationwide. This partnership builds upon KEES’ executive search history and expanding relationships with faith-focused nonprofit organizations, individual Christian healthcare professionals, and clinics across the Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF) network. CCHF is a community of Christian healthcare professionals who are committed to living out the gospel through healthcare among the poor and KEES is pleased to continue supporting these important missions. 

“We are honored to have been selected by the Search Committee,” states Heather Eddy. “Our executive search and consulting efforts continually result in successful hires across the country, and with this recent partnership, we will continue driving forward the important missions and ministries of Siloam Health.”

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

About 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.

About SILOAM HEALTH   

Siloam Health is a dynamic, multi-site healthcare organization that has served Nashville’s uninsured and underserved—especially the immigrant and refugee communities–since 1991. Today, nearly 90% of patients and clients are born outside the United States, representing more than 80 homelands and speaking more than 70 languages. A faith-based, religiously chartered organization with a budget of $6 million, Siloam is the second largest charitably funded nonprofit health center in the state of Tennessee and has played a leadership role in Tennessee’s refugee medical screening program for almost two decades. Siloam’s work is accomplished by 65 staff, over 400 volunteers annually, and dozens of partner churches, hospital systems, and other organizations. Medical care is offered at two locations: a comprehensive primary care clinic located in Melrose and a walk-in, limited primary care clinic located in Antioch. Community Health Workers and volunteers through the Nashville Neighbors program attend to the social determinants of health by promoting self-efficacy, health literacy, and health system navigation skills among local immigrant and refugee communities. Siloam clinicians also regularly mentor dozens of students and residents annually through custom coursework, clinical rotations, and internships. For more information, visit www.siloamhealth.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

SILOAM HEALTH MEDIA CONTACT:

Zach Bevill 

Zach.Bevill@Siloamhealth.org

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center (CCLC), a nonprofit organization offering a warm and welcoming learning environment in the Chicagoland area, announced Cari Christoff as its next Executive Director. Christoff, an experienced, quality-driven leader, joined Cornerstone in January 2023, following the planned retirement of long-time Executive Director Lois Scott.

Bringing expansive leadership and early education expertise to the Cornerstone team and community, Christoff has spent the last 30+ years supporting staff, families, children, and her community through her knowledge and expertise in building strong foundations and positive relationships. 

“Cornerstone has set a high bar for what’s possible in providing quality daycare and early education in the heart of Chicago,” said Christoff. “I believe that children having access to high-quality early childhood experiences that are affordable is essential to creating a caring community of learners.” 

For over nine years, Christoff served as Executive Director at Oak Park and River Forest Day Nursery (the Day Nursery). While serving at the Day Nursery, Christoff provided oversight, leadership, and supervision of the nonprofit organization, which provides early childhood education and multiple program services to children in at-risk situations and working families. In addition to strengthening the organization, Christoff also focused on private philanthropy and individual donations, which doubled under her leadership.

“Cari’s expansive knowledge of licensure, accreditation (NAEYC), early childhood education, leadership, and board commitment, offers our team a unique set of talents for the diverse communities we serve and to lead CCLC into the next phase of growth,” said CCLC Board President Dale Branda. “Thank you to the entire KEES team for their successful search efforts. We are thrilled to officially welcome Cari to the Cornerstone family.”

Prior to her time as Executive Director for Oak Park and River Forest Day Nursery, Christoff served as a Child and Family/Teen Director with the West Cook YMCA, and a handful of child and human services agencies in Tucson, AZ. Christoff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and an Associate of Applied Science, General Studies with an Early Childhood Education Concentration from Pima Community College in Tucson, AZ.

Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center Board of Directors retained KEES in 2022, and a comprehensive, regional search was launched, attracting a uniquely qualified and diverse pool of candidates. Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center Board of Directors leading the search efforts included Board Chair Gale Formato (Retired Nurse), Dale Branda (Chief Operating Officer – Steward Advisors, LLC), and Jane Lambshead (Retired Teacher – Oak Park Elementary School District 97). The Board of Directors ultimately selected Christoff from a strong group of finalists.

“Cari brings a strong skillset and commitment to quality to the CCLC team,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “From our first interactions with Cari, we saw the value she placed on building relationships. Her reflective leadership abilities and strong communications skills will benefit CCLC, and we look forward to this next step for all of them. Congratulations to Cari, the Board, and the entire CCLC community on this announcement.” 

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 CORNERSTONE CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER

Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center, a ministry of LaSalle Street Church, achieves its vision by providing the highest quality affordable education and care, by reaching out to our diverse community, and by partnering with and supporting families and teachers because we are called to be an expression of God’s kingdom in our neighborhood.  CCLC cultivates a stimulating environment where children are empowered through a milestone-based curriculum, immersive learning experiences, and STEAM activities. All day-to-day services operate through a unique partnership with Childtime Learning Center (Childtime), owned by Learning Care Group (LCG). LCG offers childcare across 11 brands and more than 1,050 high-quality schools nationwide. To learn more, please visit www.cornerstonechildrenslearningcenter.com. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Chicago Debates, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the educational achievements, community contributions, and life success of Chicago’s youth through the transformative power of academic debate, has promoted Anthony J. Bolden Jr. to Executive Director. Providing strategic oversight to and overall executive leadership for Chicago Debates, Anthony assumes this new role effective January 3, 2023. 

After nearly three years serving Chicago Debates as Director and then Senior Director of Programs, and most recently acting as the Interim Executive Director, Anthony has developed a deep understanding of how Chicago Debates’s mission impacts the lives of young people. During his tenure to date, Anthony has collaboratively built a programming team, created and standardized a virtual programming model, successfully rolled out a new student application, and engaged over 20 new Title 1 schools in Chicago Debates’s work. Throughout the pandemic, Anthony and his team served more than 2,100 students across the Chicago Public Schools while engaging more than 400 volunteers each year. Under his leadership, the program team has additionally expanded program offerings to include new forms of debate.

“Years ago, when I first applied for a position with Chicago Debates, I was drawn to the tremendous impact that debate could have on a young person’s life. Having had the opportunity to build ‘first-ever’ debate teams at struggling Chicago Public Schools and then watch those same debate teams produce their school’s most engaged and successful young minds is why I look forward to coming to work each day,” said Anthony. “Our program works, and I continue to be proud to promote our mission to help build, empower, and amplify our students’ voices — ultimately producing more informed and prepared young leaders. Serving and leading as Chicago Debates’s next Executive Director is the honor of a lifetime.”

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies, both from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, and a Graduate Certification in Nonprofit Management from North Park University. Additionally, Anthony is a Chicago Urban League IMPACT Leadership Development Fellow Alumnus at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Forefront Educational Equity Fellow Alumnus.

Prior to joining Chicago Debates, Anthony was the Program Manager at Partnership to Educate and Advance Kids (PEAK), a nonprofit with a mission to “provide opportunities for underserved youth to achieve academic and personal success.” Additionally, Anthony served as Associate Pastor at Oakwood University Church in Huntsville, AL prior to his term at PEAK.

“Through creative leadership and strategic decision-making, I am confident that Anthony will successfully lead and further elevate Chicago Debates, and its reputation as a community leader and champion for debate, youth, achievement, and education,” said Eli Kay-Oliphant, Chicago Debates’s Board Chair. “Anthony’s own lived experience, combined with his leadership, dedication, and optimism will ensure Chicago Debates enjoys another 25+ years of impactful service. We are delighted to promote Anthony to the role of Executive Director and thank KEES for another successful partnership.”

Chicago Debates retained KEES, a national executive search firm for nonprofits, as its executive search partner earlier in 2022, launching a comprehensive search. This partnership builds upon KEES’s history and expanding relationships with individual Leagues across the Urban Debate network, as well as with the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. Anthony was selected from a talented pool of top finalists. Leading the search efforts were Board and Search Committee Chair Eli Kay-Oliphant (Partner – Sparacino PLLC) and Search Committee members Amit Bindra (Partner – The Prinz Law Firm, P.C.), Elisa Davis (Assistant General Counsel, Corporate & Compliance – Kaplan), Sharone Mitchell, Jr. (Cook County Public Defender), Cindy Stuyvesant (Assistant General Counsel – Wintrust Financial), Tania White (CEO and Chief HR Strategist – Canary HR Consulting), and Jessica Yeats (Principal Data Scientist – NVIDIA). 

“Anthony has dedicated his career to date to encourage and support young people’s growth and success,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “The entire KEES team congratulates Chicago Debates and looks forward to seeing the continued positive change for Chicago students to reach their full potential in their chosen future path.” 

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. KEES has partnered with several Debate Leagues across the country on a number of searches for Executive Director and Director of Development roles. 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 CHICAGO DEBATES

Chicago Debates envisions a world in which Chicago youth are empowered to find their voice, succeed in college and career, and become leaders in their community. Since its inception in 1995, Chicago Debates’s Chicago Public Schools partnership has grown from an initial five high schools on the south side to over 90 middle and high schools throughout the city. Chicago Debates has become one of the most competitive policy urban debate leagues in the country, and a national model for other urban leagues. We envision a world in which Chicago youth are empowered to find their voice, succeed in college and career, and become leaders in their community. For more information, visit  www.chicagodebates.org. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CHICAGO DEBATES MEDIA CONTACT:

Tayo Hill, communications@chicagodebates.org

NeuroBalance Center, a nonprofit organization offering a range of healthcare services designed to help people living with chronic, progressive disorders, announced Shawna Egan as its President, effective December 12, 2022.

An accomplished executive with nearly 30 years of non-profit leadership experience, Egan’s professional involvement includes executive leadership in various non-profit organizations, establishing successful fund development strategies, creating innovative programs, as well as cultivating community and government relationships.

“As a parent of an adult daughter with a progressive, chronic, and degenerative condition, I understand the unique needs that she and others like her require and the importance to champion the mission of NeuroBalance Center,” said Shawna. “For people with degenerative issues, having a state-of-the-art facility that is accessible and offers therapy, training, and wellness programs in one location is life-transforming. I look forward to building on the phenomenal work the team has already accomplished and will continue making a positive impact in the lives of others, ensuring individuals feel supported and whole.” 

Egan recently served as Vice President of Development at Avenues To Independence. She also maintained a consulting role to support nonprofits in corporate partnership development, fund development, marketing, and board leadership. In 2000, she founded The Children’s Centerfor Autism, which sought to create a highly specialized therapeutic group home for children with severe autism, as well as, the first autism information, resources and referral agency in Northern Illinois. The Center eventually merged into Little Friends, Inc. Egan is an alumna of Leadership Greater McHenry County and serves on the Illinois Development Disability Advisory Council and the McHenry County Developmental Disability Task Force.

“We were seeking an empathetic, inspirational, and transformational President to lead us into the future,” said NeuroBalance Center Board Chair Tom Burns. “Shawna’s personal connection to our mission, her depth of non-profit leadership experience, and her connection to the Northwest suburban community make her an excellent choice to lead NeuroBalance following our visionary founder. We are delighted to have selected Shawna and thank KEES for their expertise during this next stage of growth for our organization.”

Egan comes to lead the team as Founder Joy Wagner transitions to a new role. Wagner founded the nonprofit fitMS® NeuroBalance Center in 2010 to provide more services to address the unmet needs of the MS population and all those with Neuromuscular conditions that threaten independence. Wagner will continue in a role of advocacy and ambassadorship.

NeuroBalance Center’s Board of Directors retained KEES in 2022, and a comprehensive, regional search was launched, attracting a uniquely qualified and diverse pool of candidates. The Board of Directors ultimately selected Egan from a strong group of finalists. 

NeuroBalance Center Board Members leading the search efforts included Board Chair Tom Burns (Vice President – Ameritech Retired), Joseph Matty (Board Vice Chair and President of The HAP Foundation), John Gigerich (Board Treasurer and Chief of Administration Officer & Vice President – US Bank Retired), Ray Lapinas (Board Secretary and Managing Director of Finance and Administration – Epilepsy Foundation of Northern Illinois/Iowa Retired), and Jennifer Smith (Board Director and President of JMS Synergy).

“Shawna’s own journey has taken a similar path to Joy’s, and the role at NeuroBalance Center perfectly brings together all the talents, skills, and expertise Shawna has amassed in her career,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “On behalf of the entire KEES team, we congratulate Shawna, the Board, and the entire NeuroBalance team during this pivotal time in the organization’s history.”

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 NEUROBALANCE CENTERFounded in 2010 as FitMS NeuroBalance Center, the NeuroBalance Center focuses on helping people thrive with conditions that affect their mobility, balance, strength, gait, coordination, and speech. Most participants are living with chronic, progressive disorders that impact mobility and movement such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and other neuromuscular and autoimmune diseases. In a state of the art, purpose-designed facility, the Center offers individual healthcare, wellness, and education programs that are designed after assessment and understanding of each person’s specific disease and how it impacts their daily life. Programs are delivered on a fee for service basis and the Center offers a sliding fee scale and scholarships. NeuroBalance Center relies on the generosity of our donors to carry out its mission. To learn more, please visit www.neurobalancecenter.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

NEUROBALANCE CENTER MEDIA CONTACT:

Tom Burns, Board Chair, tom@neurobalancecenter.org

North Park University, Chicago’s city-centered Christian University, has selected accomplished finance executive Reginald “Reggie” Walker as its next Director of Finance. Walker will oversee and modernize all financial aspects of the University’s Business Office and assist the Vice President of Finance and Administration/Chief Financial Officer in driving the institution’s financial strategy, planning, management, and reporting. His appointment takes effect on December 12, 2022.

With a finance career spanning several decades, Walker brings a history of developing streamlined accounting and operations systems, leading cross-functional departments, and managing a wide range of financial operations. Most recently, Walker served as the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for 1901 East Lombard, LLC. In this role, Walker led the development and implementation of a new accounting system, delivered current P/L and cash flow information to aid in critical investment decisions, and developed a dashboard for tracking and forecasting operating expenses.

Prior to his most recent consulting role, Walker served as both Associate Vice President of Finance and Interim Vice President of Business Affairs and CFO at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, a division of Northwestern University. During his tenure, he bridged the Finance, Academic Affairs, and Development departments to establish a cohesive understanding of financial goals, analyses, and resource allocation matters. He additionally oversaw all accounting, auditing, budgeting, purchasing, grants, and team management, including supervising a controller, senior accountant, bursar, and accounts payable coordinator. 

“We were looking for a collaborative leader who would have a proven track record of successfully managing the accounting and finance functions at a university. We were also looking for someone that had demonstrated the ability to develop a staff of accounting professionals,” said Scott Stenmark, Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer at North Park. “We are thrilled to have someone of Reggie’s caliber, background, passion, and dedication and I proudly welcome Reggie to North Park and look forward to working with him.”

Additionally, Walker served as the Interim Director of Finance with a Chicago human services nonprofit and as the Director of Finance and Operations at The Ancona School in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Earlier career positions included Vice President (VP) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) roles with nonprofits as well as marketing and finance roles in publishing, media, and advertising.

Walker earned a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Management from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Roosevelt University. 

“I am absolutely honored to join the North Park University team of experienced and dedicated professionals,” Walker said. “North Park University’s mission aligns with my own Christian values, and I am thrilled to bring the breadth and depth of my financial and operational experience to help North Park further its important mission.”

North Park University retained KEES, a national executive search firm for nonprofits, as its executive search partner earlier in 2022, continuing the NPU/KEES partnership. A comprehensive search was launched, and Walker was selected from a talented pool of top finalists. Leading the search efforts were Scott Stenmark (North Park University’s Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO) and Ingrid Tenglin (North Park University’s Assistant Vice President of Human Resources).

“Reggie is a powerful addition to the finance team,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “He has proven expertise in managing and improving financial, accounting, and human resources departments, and overseeing projects with a solutions-oriented mindset and will complement North Park extremely well. North Park University has been an excellent partner, in this engagement and in previous search and interim staffing partnerships. Congratulations to all!”

KEES supported this role through our Executive Search 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 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 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:

Lindsey Post Robinson, lcpostrobinson@northpark.edu

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next President for Covenant Trust Company following the announcement that Ann Wiesbrock will retire. Ann has served in this role since 2010 and was placed by KEES, then known as Alford Executive Search. Located in Chicago, IL, Covenant Trust serves families and institutions with a full suite of trust capabilities, including investing, planning, trustee services, estate and gift planning, and guidance. KEES President Heather Eddy and Project Coordinator Megan Taylor will guide the search.  

This partnership builds upon KEES’ history and relationship with Covenant Trust Company, as well as with the Evangelical Covenant Church.

“We are thrilled to retain KEES, and look forward to partnering with them again in helping us select the next leader of Covenant Trust,” said Scott Hanson, Search Committee Board Chair and Senior Vice President of Finance for Covenant Ministries of Benevolence. “Their history and knowledge of our organization sets KEES apart, and their commitment to a diverse and inclusive search process was paramount as we chose a partner in this search.” 

As a premier executive search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles and has a long history of placing accomplished executives in the Chicago metropolitan area and nationally. KEES’ history of helping organizations transition from President or President-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.  

“It is a distinct honor when KEES is asked to fill a role that we previously placed,” said Heather Eddy. “We are thrilled to have been selected to partner with Covenant Trust following the transformational leadership from Ann. We congratulate Ann on her upcoming retirement and look forward to beginning the search process for the next leader.”

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and questions concerning this upcoming President search may be addressed to inquiries@kees2success.com. 

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 Covenant Trust Company   

Covenant Trust provides investment management, trustee services, and estate and gift planning to individuals, families, and institutions. Today, we have more than $2 billion under our care. We began in 1978 as a team within the Evangelical Covenant Church. In 1988, we expanded and started a stand-alone chartered trust company serving the public. Our founding values continue to drive our culture and our actions. Our investment team has a proven track record when it comes to performance. To meet your investment goals, we use some of the industry’s best fund managers. In our recommendations, we consider what’s most important to you – and tailor our services to address your priorities at every step along the way. For more information, visit www.covenanttrust.com. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jamie Sheffler 

jsheffler@kees2success.com