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