Envision Unlimited, one of Illinois’ largest providers of programs and services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities, has announced the appointment of Brandi Adams as its new Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) effective January 13, 2025. Adams will collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership team to oversee philanthropy, institutional giving, and marketing/communications. In this role, she will lead efforts to expand the organization’s donor base, develop and implement brand strategies, enhance marketing and communications, foster strategic partnerships, and strengthen relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders. The executive search, led by KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy and Project Manager Randi Blasutti, highlights the continued successful partnership between Envision Unlimited and KEES.

After 3.5 years of building and leading a similar team, Adams is excited to embrace the opportunity to bring her expertise to a larger organization. Before joining Envision Unlimited, Adams served as the Vice President of Advancement at the Chinese American Service League (CASL). During her time at CASL, Adams was pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission to foster transformation in individuals, families, and the community for an equitable future. She successfully developed and expanded relationships with corporate partners and foundations, driving increased financial support and engagement. Under her leadership, CASL’s philanthropic revenue more than doubled, and she spearheaded the department implementation of key performance indicators, dashboards, and reports to enhance transparency and track progress. During her tenure with CASL, Adams also served as CASL’s Director of Development and Communications. 

“Brandi brings over 18 years of dedicated experience connecting stakeholders with the mission and work of nonprofits, helping them realize their philanthropic goals while growing resources and ensuring lasting impact for families in our communities,” said Envision Unlimited CEO Mark McHugh. “Her passion, strategic mindset, and collaborative spirit make her the ideal leader to support Envision Unlimited’s next phase of growth and increased impact. We look forward to flourishing with her as a key strategic partner on our leadership team. On behalf of Envision Unlimited, we are pleased to welcome Brandi and extend our gratitude to the KEES team for their expertise and dedication throughout the search process.”

In addition to her recent leadership role at CASL, Adams brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience to Envision Unlimited. She is a highly organized, goal-driven development leader with excellent communication skills and a proven track record of building strong relationships to help organizations grow their community support and engagement. Her prior nonprofit roles include Director of Resource Development at Lake Area United Way, Senior Relationship Manager at SmithBucklin, Corporate Development Director at the American Heart Association, and Community Representative for the American Cancer Society.

“I am deeply inspired by the impactful work that Envision Unlimited is doing to promote choice, independence, and inclusion for individuals with all types of disabilities,” said Brandi. “Their mission resonates with my values, as I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live the life they want, strive for their dreams, and build a future that is fulfilling for them. My experience as a direct support professional in a group home, during college, sparked my passion for empowering individuals to lead independent lives. I’m excited to contribute to Envision Unlimited’s vital mission, supporting individuals in reaching their full potential. I look forward to working alongside Mark McHugh and the talented team to continue building a legacy of care that evolves with the community needs and is delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere.”

Envision Unlimited first retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in searches for top nonprofit executive roles, in 2020. Throughout the years, filling key executive roles in partnership with the Envision Unlimited executive team has deepened the firm’s commitment and involvement in serving those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Adams earned her Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Leadership Development from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she also completed her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. In addition to her academic qualifications, Adams holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification, a Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from the IU Lilly School of Philanthropy, and recently completed the Nonprofit Management Essentials program through the Allstate Foundation, offered by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

“Brandi is a growth-focused professional with a proven track record of success as an experienced relationship manager and a strong background in the nonprofit sector. She is well-positioned to guide Envision Unlimited into its next phase, overseeing the philanthropy, institutional giving, and marketing/communications departments,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “We are honored to continue our partnership as Envision Unlimited’s trusted search partner and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead. Congratulations to the Envision Unlimited community on this announcement.”

About the Partners

Envision Unlimited

Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organizations serving people with intellectual, developmental, and psychiatric disabilities regardless of age, gender, background, or ability.  With a mission to provide quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities, Envision Unlimited has been a community provider since 1948, with a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services include novel day programs; community living options; employment, respite, mental health services, supportive housing, and foster care for children with disabilities. Beyond the day-to-day efforts supporting members and their caregivers in Illinois, Envision Unlimited is a staunch industry advocate with a far-reaching impact. As a vocal and visible advocate in the disability community, and through outreach, evaluation, and service planning, Envision Unlimited’s efforts help thousands of people become part of the community, transition them to safe homes, and access support services Learn more at www.envisionunlimited.org.

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.

As a premier search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top executive positions and has a successful history of placing accomplished nonprofit executives nationwide. This partnership builds upon KEES’ executive search history, commitment, and growth to building meaningful partnerships and relationships with nonprofit organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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ENVISION UNLIMITED MEDIA CONTACT:

Stephanie Choporis, schoporis@envisionunlimited.org

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com