KEES takes center stage to orchestrate dual searches for Director of Development and newly created Chief Operating Officer posts

In a significant stride towards advancing its strategic vision, Hawaii Youth Symphony proudly announces the selection of KEES as its search firm of choice to usher in a new era of growth and excellence for the nonprofit music education organization. KEES will be instrumental in identifying and appointing key leaders for two pivotal roles—Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer. Leading the search efforts at the executive search firm, specializing in both the nonprofit and public sector, will include KEES Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong and Project Manager Megan Taylor.

Hawaii Youth Symphony President and CEO Randy Wong selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “The KEES team and their excellence in nonprofit executive search stood out to us as being uniquely capable to help fill these dynamic leadership roles. They are familiar with our priorities, recognize the importance of our mission and vision, and appreciate the nuanced needs of youth orchestras.”

KEES holds high standards as an industry leader in Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development searches. With more than 23 years of experience in nonprofit executive search and hundreds of successful client partnerships, KEES continues to have a strong track record placing, creating, and supporting roles nationwide. In addition to success in Chief Operating Officer and Chief/Director of Development roles, KEES provides specialized expertise in all top leadership searches such as CEO and President, Executive Director, and Chief Financial Officer.

KEES’ work helps ensure that missions are fulfilled, visions are achieved, leaders can succeed, and clients can change the world through the meaningful missions they serve. This partnership builds upon KEES’ long list of client partners who serve and support arts organizations, arts education, and youth development in a multitude of ways.

“With a shared belief in the arts as social good and commitment to broadening access to the arts, KEES is poised to shape Hawaii Youth Symphony’s leadership team and contribute to HYS’s strategic vision,” said Yoo-Jin Hong, Executive Search Manager. “It is an honor to have been selected to work alongside Randy Wong and Hawaii Youth Symphony in this stage of growth. We look forward to partnering with HYS leadership in the coming months.”

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and questions concerning this dual search may be addressed to inquiries@kees2success.com.

About the Partners

Hawaii Youth Symphony

Established as a nonprofit organization located in Honolulu, HI, Hawaii Youth Symphony’s (HYS) mission is to foster fun and creative experiences for youth that inspire a deep appreciation for music and lifelong relationships within the culture of the Hawaiian islands. HYS is also among the largest independent youth symphony organizations in the country, serving over 700 students annually from more than 100 public, private, and home schools across the state. Incorporated in 1964 with a single 80-member orchestra, HYS has grown nearly 8-fold in the past half century with 13 different programs. For more information, visit www.hiyouthsymphony.org.

KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams and 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.

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HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY MEDIA CONTACT:

Susan Wright, susan@beckercommunications.com

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com