KEES is proud to announce that our President & CEO, Heather Eddy, has been selected as a member of the 2024 Chicago Leadership Circle, a prestigious leadership initiative presented by Crain’s Chicago Business in partnership with the University of Chicago.

The Chicago Leadership Circle brings together a select group of executives from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who are committed to shaping the future of the Chicago region. Throughout the year, the 21 Fellows will engage in candid conversations with civic leaders, researchers, business executives, and policymakers to explore the opportunities and challenges facing our communities.

Leadership Beyond Executive Search

For more than 26 years, Heather has dedicated her career to strengthening mission-driven organizations through executive search, leadership transition, governance consulting, executive compensation, and organizational advisory services. Her selection reflects not only her professional accomplishments, but also her longstanding commitment to helping organizations build stronger leadership and stronger communities.

KEES believes that leadership extends well beyond filling executive positions through nonprofit executive search. It means helping Boards navigate change, supporting CEOs throughout their leadership journey, and ensuring organizations have the governance and talent they need to fulfill their missions. Heather’s participation in the Chicago Leadership Circle is a natural extension of that commitment.

Why This Matters for KEES Clients

Leadership is constantly evolving. Organizations today face increasingly complex governance challenges, changing workforce expectations, succession planning needs, and heightened demands for effective executive leadership.

Heather’s participation in the Chicago Leadership Circle allows KEES to continue bringing fresh perspectives, new ideas, and broader community insights back to the clients we serve. The conversations, relationships, and experiences developed throughout the program will further strengthen KEES’ ability to advise Boards and executive leaders navigating today’s changing landscape. This will help KEES work as it fosters ongoing relationship with client partners in the fields of Early Childhood Education, IDD / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Housing/Homelessness, and Public Private Partnerships.

Learning, Sharing, and Giving Back

One of the greatest strengths of the Chicago Leadership Circle is the diversity of perspectives represented among its Fellows. Bringing together leaders from a wide range of industries creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue, new ideas, and collaborative problem-solving.

Heather looks forward to learning from fellow participants while also sharing insights gained from more than two decades of partnering with nonprofit organizations, foundations, healthcare systems, educational institutions, public agencies, and associations across the country.

Looking Ahead

We are honored that Heather has been selected for this distinguished program and look forward to the conversations, partnerships, and ideas that will emerge throughout the year.

Congratulations, Heather, on this well-deserved recognition. We know you will represent KEES—and the nonprofit sector—with the thoughtfulness, integrity, and passion that have defined your career.