Stuff in the ‘Envision Unlimited’ Category
KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Envision Unlimited, taps Theresa Dear as its next Chief Human Resources Officer
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
KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Envision Unlimited, selects Brandi Adams as its Chief External Affairs Officer
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