Envision Unlimited, an Illinois provider of programs, services, and supportive housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs, has announced the appointment of Theresa Dear as its Chief Human Resources Officer, effective February 23, 2026. Theresa will serve as a key partner to Chief Executive Officer Mark McHugh and the executive leadership team, supporting efforts to ensure a best-in-class culture and a workplace of choice. The executive search, led by KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy and Senior Project Manager Randi Blasutti, reflects the continued success of the partnership between Envision Unlimited and KEES.

Theresa most recently served as Chief People Officer at Vivent Health, where she transformed HR into a high-performing, technology-driven, people-focused department across seven states and 18 locations. Theresa successfully decreased employee attrition rate, drove diversity and engagement initiatives, oversaw seven mergers, and guided the organization through change and leadership transitions, strengthening culture, streamlining processes, and optimizing benefits.

“Theresa is a strategic executive with a proven track record in driving high-impact results across nonprofits and complex organizations,” said Envision Unlimited CEO Mark McHugh. “Her expertise in strategy, engagement, talent, operations, and human resources advisory will bring strength and stability to our team during this unexpected transition. We are thrilled to welcome her and sincerely thank the KEES team for their thoughtful and deliberate approach throughout the search process.”

Prior to Vivent Health, Theresa held senior HR and consulting leadership roles at HR4Non-Profits Inc., Metropolitan Family Services, and Verizon Communications, working with national nonprofits, government agencies, and large corporate organizations. She has also served in leadership and advisory roles with numerous organizations, including nine years as a Board Chairman and 20 years as a National Board Member of the NAACP, where she chaired the national CEO search committee. Additionally, she has contributed as a facilitator at Northwestern University and as an Adjunct Professor at Keller Graduate School.

“I am inspired by Envision Unlimited’s mission to promote choice, independence, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities,” said Theresa. “Growing up in foster care, I witnessed the critical support that nonprofits provide to those in need, which shaped my passion for giving back and driving meaningful change. This work aligns with my leadership experience and role as CHRO, where I aim to identify, discover, and reimagine how services can be improved, measured, and translated into more successful and satisfying experiences for members. I look forward to joining the talented team in advancing programs and services that empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives.”

Theresa holds a Master of Science in Industrial Relations and Human Resources Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Organizational Development from Loyola University Chicago.

Envision Unlimited first partnered with KEES, a leading executive search firm for nonprofit leadership, in 2020. Since then, KEES has helped fill multiple key leadership roles, strengthening its commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advancing Envision Unlimited’s mission to provide quality services that promote choice, independence, and inclusion for its members.

“Theresa is an inspirational human resources leader,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “We were proud to partner with Envision Unlimited on this search and deeply value their role as a leading organization in the community. Theresa’s expertise and leadership will be a tremendous asset to the team, and we congratulate the entire Envision Unlimited community on this exciting announcement.”

Envision Unlimited

Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as mental health challenges from infants to senior citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability to pay. Our mission is to provide quality services that promote choice, independence and inclusion for our members. Our innovative services include an array of community living options, novel day programs, community employment support, respite for families, mental health services, foster care for children with disabilities, and more. Today, we support 5,000 members and their support networks in Northern and Central Illinois. Through outreach, evaluation and service planning, we help thousands of people become part of the community, transition to safe homes and access support services so they can live their lives to their greatest potential. To learn more, please visit www.envisionunlimited.org.

KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a certified woman-owned nonprofit executive search firm dedicated to creating diverse teams with dynamic leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including executive search, leadership development, compensation analysis, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

As a leading nonprofit executive search firm, KEES specializes in placing top executives and has a strong track record of connecting accomplished leaders with mission-driven organizations nationwide. This partnership reflects KEES’ ongoing commitment to building meaningful relationships and supporting nonprofits that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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ENVISION UNLIMITED MEDIA CONTACT: Brandi Adams badams@envisionunlimited.org

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com