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  

Maryville Academy Foundation, operating as Maryville Foundation, located in Des Plaines, IL, has named Michelle Jimenez as its inaugural Chief Development Officer. Jimenez, a nonprofit professional with over 25 years of extensive experience, assumed the role in November 2022.

In her role as Chief Development Officer, Jimenez’s responsibilities include all fundraising efforts of the Foundation, with a focus on major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns. Maryville Foundation is launching a powerful initiative to support the efforts to move the Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy and Career Tech High School (formerly known as Jen School) to its new and expanded space in Niles, IL for the 2023-24 school year. 

As a nonprofit development professional with extensive experience, Jimenez has a history of managing multiple projects in annual funding and campaign evaluation for various non-profit organizations. For the past two decades, Jimenez has consulted, most recently through HPS Chicago, a full-service fundraising and non-profit consulting practice serving clients similar to those supported by Maryville Foundation. 

“Throughout my nonprofit career, the work I have done to support children and families has been my most satisfying and rewarding and I look forward to beginning a new chapter with Maryville Foundation,” said Michelle. “These experiences have demonstrated how important family support is for the overall strength and well-being of an entire community. I am excited to apply my experience and consulting skills to help grow the Foundation into a forward-thinking development operation.” 

Capital campaign management has been a core focus of her consulting career and has included the guiding of the creation and design phase, selection and formation of steering committees, gift solicitations, campaign kick-off, and execution. In her consulting roles, Jimenez had the privilege to work with Chicagoland nonprofits including Rainbows for All Children, New Star Services (formerly SouthStar), Visitation Parish, St. Pius X, St. Irene Parish, Old St. Pat’s Church, Community Support Services, St. James Hospital, LIFT India, and others. 

“The hiring of our first Chief Development Officer is a defining moment in our history, and we are thankful for KEES for their expertise as we navigated this process. We were seeking a mission-driven and innovative individual to bring a fresh perspective. Michelle brings a true passion and skillset to grow the Foundation and further the mission of Maryville Academy. The entire team looks forward to working with Michelle as we advance our Foundation’s philanthropic activities and increase new opportunities for donors,” said Sean Madden, Board President of Maryville Foundation. 

Leading the search efforts were Board President and Search Committee Chair Sean Madden (President (ret.) at Madden Insights) and Search Committee members Frank Pawlak (Attorney/Owner at Frank M. Pawlak, P.C.), Maggie Reynolds (Volunteer at Maryville), Randy Roberts (Village Trustee at Village of Skokie), and Pat Shea (Commodities Trader). This was the first search partnership for KEES and Maryville Academy Foundation, following a competitive selection process to identify a search partner. The comprehensive search attracted several qualified candidates from across the Midwest. 

“The future holds enormous potential for Maryville Foundation, and we are thrilled to have led this search,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “KEES strives to help build strong nonprofit teams and leaders through executive partnerships and working with Maryville over the last several months has been extremely rewarding. Client partners that are hiring “the first” of a key leadership role have a unique element, and Michelle will truly help the Foundation gain its footing and come to life. KEES proudly congratulates the entire Foundation 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 MARYVILLE ACADEMY FOUNDATION 

Maryville Foundation’s mission includes raising funds to improve and expand Maryville Academy programs which are focused on protecting children and strengthening families. The Foundation’s support helped Maryville Academy serve 5,300 individuals last year. To learn more, please visit https://www.maryvillefoundation.org 

ABOUT MARYVILLE ACADEMY 

Maryville Academy was founded in 1883 by the Archdiocese of Chicago as an orphanage to house and educate children orphaned by The Great Chicago Fire, Cholera, and the Yellow Fever epidemic. Over its almost 140-year history, Maryville has adapted to the changing needs of society. Today, no longer an orphanage, Maryville’s mission is to protect children and strengthen families through its 19 programs which fall under four primary services: Early Childhood Engagement, Education, Family and Residential Care, and Transitional Healthcare. Of note, Maryville Academy is a Catholic organization but almost 80% of the children and families supported are not Catholic. The Academy and the Foundation are committed to serving the needs of the entire community. 

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jamie Sheffler 

jsheffler@kees2success.com 

MARYVILLE FOUNDATION CONTACT: 

Sean Madden 

smadden59@gmail.com 

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been exclusively retained by Little City Foundation in its search for its next Executive Director. With over ten programs throughout the Chicagoland area, Little City engages and supports individuals, families, and communities to ensure that children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can realize their unique potential to live safely, learn continuously, explore creatively, and work productively. KEES President Heather Eddy and Project Coordinator Megan Taylor will lead the search, and the new leader is expected to start in 2023. Shawn Jeffers, having served and expanded Little City over the past 20 years, will retire after a new leader is identified. 

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 a long history of placing accomplished executives within the Chicago metropolitan area and in the state of Illinois. 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.  

Little City Board of Directors selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “KEES came highly recommended to the board during our succession planning process,” said Greg Burns, President of the Board of Directors. “The KEES team and their excellence in nonprofit executive search stood out to us because they were familiar with our needs and understood the mission behind our caring community. We are thrilled to be in a partnership with KEES.”  

KEES’ work helps ensure that missions are fulfilled, visions are achieved, leaders can succeed, and clients can change the world through the meaningful missions they serve. This partnership builds upon KEES’ long list of client partners who serve and support individuals with disabilities in a multitude of ways.  

“Congratulations to Shawn Jeffers as he takes this exciting next step. I remember when Shawn came to the Chicagoland area from Springfield. He has since transformed Little City in almost every aspect,” said Heather Eddy. “It is an honor to have been competitively selected to lead Little City into this stage of transition. We look forward to partnering with leadership in the coming months.” 

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and questions concerning this Executive Director 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 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 Little City   

Established as a nonprofit organization in 1959, Little City’s mission is to serve children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) by providing the best options and opportunities to live safely, learn continuously, explore creatively, and work productively throughout their lifetime. Little City offers a portfolio of programs that include 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. For more information, visit www.littlecity.org.  

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jamie Sheffler 

jsheffler@kees2success.com  

LITTLE CITY MEDIA CONTACT: 

Tina Maraccini 

tmaraccini@littlecity.org 

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Fernwood Botanical Garden, a 105-acre botanical garden, arboretum, and nature preserve located in Niles, Michigan, has selected industry leader Christopher “Chris” Jabin as Director of Development following a comprehensive search.

Currently serving in a consulting capacity through Dragonfly Advisors, Inc., Jabin offers strategic consulting to build philanthropic and investor networks, develop leadership and solid governance practices, and enhance development programs to nonprofits in Chicago and Michigan.

“I am deeply grateful to Carol, the Board, and the Fernwood family of friends and supporters for this wonderful opportunity,” said Chris. “Just as I strove to improve the quality of life in Chicago through my philanthropic work, I look forward to enhancing our new community in Southwest Michigan in this role with Fernwood Botanical Garden. Creating mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations has always been a focus of my professional efforts, and Fernwood has a wonderful foundation on which to build many new relationships. I am eager to get to work to help advance Fernwood’s environmental stewardship and conservation education activities. With Fernwood’s strong visitation and dynamic public programs, there is a great opportunity to help our many friends and philanthropic partners learn about making a positive impact on the natural world around us.”

Jabin and his family moved to Three Oaks, Michigan, in 2019 to pursue a vision and lifelong dream. As part of his passion and love for nature and gardening, Chris and his wife Thayer, a Master Gardener, have been redeveloping the gardens and trails on their 12 acres of Dragonfly Farm. Prior to his current consulting work, Jabin’s diverse fundraising career included serving many of Chicago’s top arts, culture, zoo, and aquarium institutions. Most recent of those organizations included The Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Zoological Society (CZS). Prior roles where he led and built philanthropic programs included John G. Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“We were looking for an experienced and strategic leader to spearhead the development of a comprehensive fundraising plan that will ensure long term sustainability and support for Fernwood’s mission. We found that and more with Chris,” said Fernwood’s Executive Director Carol Line. “Chris brings a proven track record as an accomplished, nonprofit and development professional, and will contribute knowledge from over three decades of success in fundraising to our community. We proudly welcome Chris to the Fernwood team.”

In recognition of his many contributions to the field, Jabin received the Benjamin Franklin Award from the Chicago Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2014. Additionally, as an active philanthropist, Jabin has served on several boards, including the Acorn Center for the Performing Arts, Cabinet of Curiosity, and Arts Alliance Illinois. Originally from Grand Rapids, Jabin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College with a concentration in public service from the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Public Service.

Fernwood Botanical Garden retained KEES, a national executive search firm for nonprofits, as its executive search partner in 2022, launching a comprehensive search. Jabin was selected among a talented group of top finalists. Leading the search efforts included Executive Director Carol Line and Board Chair Mary Keefe.

“Congratulations to Chris and all those connected with Fernwood,” said Heather Eddy, CEO and President of KEES. “Less than 90 miles from Chicago, Fernwood is a gem of an institution in Southwest Michigan that is a leader among peer public gardens. As a growing organization, the KEES team is incredibly excited for the future success of Fernwood with Chris leading the philanthropic work. He will fit perfectly with the vision for its future. We applaud the entire Fernwood 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 FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN

Fernwood Botanical Garden’s mission is to enrich people’s lives by awakening and deepening their appreciation of nature. The garden, just 90 minutes from Chicago’s downtown, is located in Berrien County Michigan, which is famous for its fruit production, wine country, and lakeshore communities. Fernwood comprises 105 acres of gardens and natural areas and is a birder’s paradise. The property features at least ten unique ecosystems and 36 plant species that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has deemed threatened, endangered, and plants of special concern. Visitors may enjoy Fernwood’s natural areas with miles of walking and hiking trails, garden paths that wind throughout special botanical collections, and a visit to the Sims Education Center for drop-in educational features and a bird viewing area at the wooded edge of the preserve. To learn more, please visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

FERNWOOD MEDIA CONTACT:

Elaine Rowland

erowland@fernwoodbotanical.org

Bay Area Urban Debate League (BAUDL), a non-profit organization in Oakland, CA that partners with local school districts, ensuring all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential as engaged learners, critical thinkers, and capable civic advocates, has promoted Mya Whitaker to Executive Director. Whitaker’s appointment was the outcome of a comprehensive executive search.

Providing strategic oversight to BAUDL and overall executive leadership, Whitaker assumed her new role on September 6, 2022.

For the past 6 years, Whitaker has served as BAUDL’s Program Director, promoted from her previous role as the organization’s Junior Program Director. Working with BAUDL for the last 13 years, Whitaker also brings a unique history to the organization as she was the first BAUDL League Champion as a high school student. Forming genuine and lasting relationships with students, partners, staff, and Board has been key to Whitaker’s career success. In addition to her work experience, Mya’s personal commitment to BAUDL’s mission will continue to be an additional driving force of success in her new role.

“As a BAUDL alumna, I know firsthand, how influential and impactful debate can be,” said Whitaker. “After seeing many of my peers succumb to violence as a way of life, I was determined that this would not be my destiny. I am committed to seek and employ methods to prevent this violence and encourage youth through a conduit of social change and, as Executive Director, am thrilled to be leading and empowering our community to be successful through debate.”

Whitaker holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from San Francisco State University and is additionally an Emerge California leadership program alumna.

“Mya embodies BAUDL’s focus on helping youth succeed beyond societal expectations,” said Darin Snyder, BAUDL Board Chair and Partner at O’Melveny & Myers LLP. “The Board was looking for an experienced professional with a deep belief in our mission; someone with proven, robust appreciation for the power of debate to change lives. We are delighted to promote Mya to the role of Executive Director and know she will continue to make a positive impact on BAUDL’s ability to fulfill its mission.”

BAUDL retained KEES, a national executive search firm for nonprofits, as its executive search partner earlier in 2022, launching a comprehensive search. Whitaker was selected from a talented pool of top finalists. Leading the search efforts were Board Chair Darin Snyder, Search Committee Chair Michael Burshteyn, and Search Committee members Ben Crosson, Stephanie Eisenberg Todd, Kina Mandelbrot, and Craig Wickersham.

“Mya’s passion for debate, combined with her personal interest in and commitment to Bay area youth, is a winning combination for the BAUDL community,” said Laura Weinman, KEES Vice President. “The entire KEES team congratulates BAUDL and looks forward to seeing the continued positive change for California 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 Director of Development and Executive Director 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 BAY AREA URBAN DEBATE LEAGUE

BAUDL serves students who attend resource challenged high schools and middle schools in Oakland, San Francisco, Richmond, and Emeryville, CA. BAUDL helps grow debate programs by working with teacher-coaches to develop a curriculum for their classes and after school practices. BAUDL facilitates student participation in debate competition by annually hosting 10 local debate tournaments for all BAUDL students and supporting a select group of the most committed students to travel across the country to national debate tournaments. Learn more at www.baudl.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

BAUDL MEDIA CONTACT:

Mya Whitaker, 510-815-9441, mwhitaker@baudl.org

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Executive Director for Chicago Debates. Chicago Debates focuses on advancing the educational achievement, community contributions, and life success of Chicago’s youth through the transformative power of academic debate. KEES Vice President Laura Weinman and Consultant Stacy Harker will lead the search following the successful tenure of the organization’s current leader, Dr. Toinette Gunn.

This partnership builds upon KEES’ history and expanding relationships with individual Leagues across the Urban Debate network, as well as with the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues. KEES has frequently been retained to provide Executive Search, Consulting, Event Planning, and Interim Staffing services within the Debate League community.

In addition to placing Dr. Toinette Gunn in 2018, KEES’ most recent Chicago Debates placement is Marissa Barnes as Director of Development. Barnes’s focus and commitment to providing access and opportunities to Chicago’s youth will further help Chicago Debates bridge the educational opportunity gap for Chicago Public School students. 

The Chicago Debates Board of Directors selected KEES after previously working together on several successful projects, both search and consulting. “We were looking for someone that had an in-depth understanding and experience with debate placements,” said David Nadig, Board Chair and Senior Counsel with Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. “The KEES team and their excellence in executive search stood out because they were familiar with our mission, provide outstanding service, and are dedicated to the debate movement. We are thrilled to have selected KEES and look forward to this renewed partnership as we search for our next Executive Director.”

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 within the Chicago metropolitan area and in the state of Illinois. 

“We are thrilled to have been selected to continue driving forward the missions of Chicago Debates, a leader in the national Urban Debate network,” said Laura Weinman. “We congratulate Dr. Toinette Gunn on her impactful tenure and look forward to beginning the search process for the next leader.” 

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and questions concerning this upcoming Executive Director 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 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 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’ 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  

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Executive Director for Storycatchers Theatre. A non-profit youth empowerment organization in Chicago, Storycatchers Theatre guides young people impacted by the juvenile justice system to transform their traumatic experiences into powerful musical theatre, developing the courage and vision to become leaders and mentors.

This partnership adds Storycatchers Theatre to KEES’ long list of youth-focused/youth empowerment organizations. Leading the search efforts will be KEES CEO and President Heather Eddy and KEES Project Manager Abby Johnson.

The Search Committee ultimately selected KEES after reviewing competitive bids and assessing organizational needs. “We are thrilled to have selected KEES to manage and lead our search process,” said Kendra Freeman, Storycatchers Theatre Board Chair and Metropolitan Planning Council Vice President. “KEES was the best choice to serve as our search partner because of their extensive experience and commitment to building strong teams with stellar talent in the nonprofit sector.” We are thankful for the 6+ years of leadership from Executive Director Priya Shah and her guidance during our overall leadership transitions.”

As a leading nonprofit executive search firm in Chicago, KEES is excited to begin work at this pivotal time in Storycatchers Theatre history. The program helps inspire the future for youth and young adults in the criminal justice system by readying them for positive, meaningful change. 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 by founder Meade Palidofsky nearly 40 years ago. Our team is thankful to Storycatchers Theatre for their partnership.”

Further details regarding the Executive Director opportunity will be released soon. Candidates interested in this role should contact inquiries@kees2success.com for more information.

About KEES

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

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com