KEES is excited to announce it has earned formal certification as a Woman-Owned Business through the Commission on Equity and Inclusion through the Business Enterprise Program. This certification recognizes leadership, innovation, and dedication that have shaped the firm’s growth over the past twelve years, underscoring KEES’ unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Founded in 2013 by majority owner Heather Eddy, KEES was established as a natural extension of her leadership of the Executive Search division at a national consulting firm. KEES has steadily grown into a trusted name in its executive search presence with nonprofit and public sector organizations. The new certification adds a significant layer of credibility to our firm, and we are confident that it will open doors for new opportunities and collaborations while helping to amplify the voices and contributions of women in the business world. As a certified woman-owned business, KEES joins a growing network of female entrepreneurs striving to make an impact, support one another, and foster a more inclusive and sustainable future in the business community.

“This certification is a testament to the passion and resilience that have fueled our firm’s journey,” said Heather Eddy founder and CEO of KEES. “As a woman entrepreneur, I know firsthand the importance of creating spaces where women can thrive and lead. We have an incredible and diverse team, and I’m proud to lead a movement where women leaders are championed. I am also proud to partner and support other women-owned businesses.”

The woman-owned business certification also highlights KEES’ commitment to creating an empowering environment for its team, particularly women in leadership roles. As part of the certification process, the company had to meet rigorous standards, demonstrating its operational and financial stability, as well as its ongoing commitment to advancing diversity in the workplace.

With over 25 years of executive search experience, KEES has proudly served clients in 42 states and across 55+ distinct geographies. Our broad national reach and deep expertise allow us to support a wide range of organizations, many with missions centered on equity, access, and women’s leadership. We are especially proud that 97% of our CEO and Executive Director finalist pools include women, and 65% of our overall placements are women. These metrics further show our intentional approach to elevating diverse leadership and empowering women to step into their first CEO or executive role with confidence and support.

“We are deeply committed to creating meaningful impact, not just for our clients, but for our team and the broader community,” Eddy shared. “This certification is more than a credential; it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for. We’re honored to be recognized and ready to continue building a legacy of equity, access, and excellence.”

The Commission on Equity and Inclusion works to maximize supplier diversity by ensuring access to contracting opportunities through inclusive, fair, and equitable procurement processes while providing support, education, and mentorship to certified businesses.  To learn more about the Commission on Equity and Inclusion, please visit their website.

Consider your professional service needs from a woman-owned small business. When you choose certified women-owned businesses, you’re not only supporting their success but also amplifying their impact.

For more information about KEES and its services, please visit www.kees2success.com.