Stuff in the ‘dupage county’ Category
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform Welcomes Sabina Abdul-Qadir as its Next Executive Director
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform (DuPage Federation) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sabina Abdul-Qadir as its next Executive Director. Abdul-Qadir succeeds David Roth, who retired following six years of leadership. As Executive Director, Abdul-Qadir will lead the organization, guide the team, and collaborate with the Board on strategic planning, coalition-building, and community-focused services, all while advancing integrated and equitable human services across DuPage County. She will formally assume her role in December 2025.
A seasoned attorney and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity, building coalitions, and fostering organizational growth, Abdul-Qadir is committed to inclusion, systems change, and community collaboration. Her career centers on strengthening organizations through conflict management, staff development, and sustainable systems that expand access to services and opportunities. “Sabina brings an exceptional blend of vision, compassion, and systems-level insight,” said Theresa Forthofer, DuPage Federation Board Chair and President & CEO of Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley. “Her deep dedication to equity, collaboration, and community voice makes her the ideal leader to guide DuPage Federation into its next chapter.”
In her most recent role as Head of Outreach at MUHSEN, Abdul-Qadir led the organization’s national outreach and growth strategy, expanding services across the U.S. and into Canada. Under her leadership, MUHSEN saw a substantial increase in registered families served and launched multiple new service centers. She managed daily operations and a $3.5 million annual budget, identifying cost-saving measures and reallocating resources to further organizational goals. Previously, as Legal Counsel for The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago, she secured $1.5 million in grant funding and developed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for more than 60 member organizations.
“DuPage Federation’s mission reflects the work I have dedicated my career to,” said Abdul-Qadir. “I have focused on building bridges, creating systems that work for people who are often overlooked, and making sure equity is something families can feel in their daily lives. I see DuPage Federation as an organization that shares this commitment, and together with the Board, I look forward to advancing its mission and creating lasting impact in our communities.”
The search was conducted in partnership with KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organizations. The process attracted a highly talented and diverse pool of candidates. The search was led by Board Chair Theresa Forthofer and Search Chair Kara Murphy, supported by Search Committee members Molly Beck Dean, Becky Beilfuss, Sonny de Rama, Adam Forker, and Peggy McGuire.
Abdul-Qadir holds a Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois.
“Sabina brings extensive experience, a global perspective, and deep community engagement to her new role,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “Her strong commitment to equity and proven ability to align organizational values with community impact reflect the mission and vision of DuPage Federation. We are honored to have partnered with the Federation in this search and wish them the very best as they continue their important work serving the community.”
About DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform is a collaboration of government and key community organizations that identifies ways a local community can address its human services needs using its own resources and resourcefulness. The DuPage Federation works to improve access to human services for all residents of DuPage County through policy, advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives. To learn more, please visit DuPage Federation.
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 KEES.
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DuPage Federation Media Contact:
Eva Rafas, erafas@dupagefederation.org
KEES Media Contact:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
Naperville Community Television (NCTV17) Partners with KEES to Find its Next Executive Director
Nonprofit executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Executive Director for Naperville Community Television (NCTV17). Located in Naperville, IL, NCTV17 is a nonprofit organization that delivers community-centered journalism that reflects diverse voices to foster shared understanding and civic engagement. KEES President and CEO, Heather Eddy, and Project Manager, Randi Blasutti, will lead the search following the successful tenure and upcoming transition of the organization’s current leader, Liz Spencer.
Neveen Michael, Board President, shared, “We are so incredibly grateful for Liz’s leadership and contributions over the last two decades. Thanks to Liz—and the dynamic, talented team behind NCTV17—the station will continue to be Naperville’s trusted source for local information.”
As a premier executive search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top leadership positions such as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Executive Director roles and has a successful history of placing accomplished nonprofit executives nationwide, especially after the transition of long-tenured leaders or Founders. This partnership builds upon KEES’ history of executive search success and its established relationships within the Naperville community and the surrounding DuPage and Will Counties.
The Board has appointed a Search Committee, chaired by Kash Aqeel, and including Emily Cross Vayr, and Carolina Zavala. The committee will begin its work immediately and aims to announce the next Executive Director in the fall, allowing for a smooth transition as the departing leader moves on to her next chapter.
“On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Liz for her vision and dedication during her tenure. We are committed to finding a world-class successor, and are grateful to have her continued leadership and guidance throughout this transition process,” said Kash Aqeel, Chair of the Search Committee for Naperville Community Television Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to have retained KEES as our search partner of choice, and look forward to working with their local leadership and team on this important search.”
“Congratulations to Liz Spencer as she embarks on this next personal chapter,” states Heather Eddy. “Liz’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping NCTV17 into a trusted source of community-centered journalism. Her dedication to elevating diverse voices and fostering civic engagement has left an enduring legacy. It is an honor to have been selected as NCTV17’s partner, and we look forward to collaborating with the organization’s leadership during this transition as we continue advancing its vital mission.”
Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and additional details concerning this upcoming Executive Director search may be addressed directly to Randi Blasutti at rblasutti@kees2success.com.
ABOUT NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY TELEVISION
Founded in 1987, Naperville Community Television (NCTV17) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to telling local stories on air and online! The station delivers hyper-local news coverage of the people, places, and perspectives that matter to Naperville area residents. From a local perspective on national news to what’s being discussed at Naperville’s City Hall, Naperville News 17 keeps residents informed about what’s happening in their community.
The television station covers local elections, puts viewers curbside at parades, and showcases various community events, performances, and presentations. NCTV17 also produces talk shows and documentaries. On Naperville Sports Weekly, reporters cover both boys’ and girls’ varsity sports from all six local area high schools, bringing fans the highlights, interviews, and stories not seen anywhere else. To learn more, visit www.nctv17.org
ABOUT 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 certified woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, compensation analysis, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
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NAPERVILLE COMMUNITY TELEVISION MEDIA CONTACT:
Kash Aqeel, kashif.aqeel@whiteeagletek.com
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com