KEES announces that client partner Heifer International, an international development organization that works with communities to end hunger and poverty world-wide, has hired Stacey Freeman as its next Director of Philanthropy – Greater Los Angeles/Mountain Region.

Stacey Freeman brings 15 years of fundraising experience in the Los Angeles area, specializing in major gifts and resource development. She also offers Heifer International expertise in international development, disaster preparedness and response, global health and women’s empowerment.

At the start of her career, Ms. Freeman served as Co-Director of the Youth Policy Institute of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial in Washington, DC, and a similar role at the Illinois Youth Policy Institute. She later transitioned into higher education as a professor of history focusing on the intersection of women’s studies and global health. She has held leadership positions at the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health, International Medical Corps, and as Director of Major Gifts for the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region.

Ms. Freeman has a PhD (ABD) and two MAs from New York University, and a BA from Cornell University.

“I am excited by the opportunity with Heifer International because I believe their mission speaks directly to the key existential challenges facing society today. What resonates with me most is Heifer’s wholistic approach: tackling hunger, poverty, the environment, women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency together, rather than in isolation. I am excited to join their team.”

-Stacey Freeman

Heifer International retained KEES as its executive search partner for this position in Spring 2019 and a regional search was launched. Ms. Freeman’s hire will complete Heifer’s existing major gifts team of eight, led by Stephanie Brown, Vice President of Philanthropy, that works as part of the larger philanthropy team to build and strengthen relationships with donors, investors and foundations. Funds raised by the philanthropy team support global programs and missions that are unified in their approach of ending global hunger and improving livelihoods, all while caring for the Earth.

KEES is a retained executive search and consulting firm that builds transformative teams and leaders in the nonprofit sector. KEES has developed a niche in helping organizations with regionally or nationally based philanthropic programs hire professionals in key areas around the country, thereby strengthening their ability to be local partners with key donors and investors. KEES was founded in 2013 as an expansion and growth of Alford Executive Search.

For 75 years, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 20 countries, including the United States, to help communities become more self-reliant and lift farming families to a living income. For more information, please visit www.heifer.org.