Stuff in the ‘Executive Director’ Category

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

The Counseling Center of the North Shore selects Thomas Applegate as its next Executive Director

The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS), a nonprofit mental health center in Winnetka, IL, welcomes the appointment of Thomas Applegate as its new Executive Director, effective October 14, 2024. This milestone follows a successful partnership with nonprofit executive search firm KEES. Applegate, who grew up in Winnetka, will guide the organization in fulfilling its mission to support individuals through life’s challenges and transitions while also steering its future direction. Additionally, Applegate will lead and manage the organization with a dual focus on external areas including resource development, community engagement, and partnerships, along with internal responsibilities of fiscal management and team leadership.

Before joining CCNS, Applegate was the North River Commission Executive Director in Chicago. Over his nine years in this role, he achieved a significant increase in funding, which drove growth in community services and partnerships. He collaborated with hundreds of civic associations, businesses, and institutions to enhance the quality of life for all stakeholders in Albany Park. Earlier in his career, Applegate served as the Executive Director of Hostelling International Chicago, where he advocated for the nonprofit hostel’s interests and built strong relationships within an international network of hostels, effectively engaging with public, corporate, media, and governmental entities.

“I am thrilled to join CCNS as its next Executive Director because I believe access to mental health treatment is essential for the well-being of individuals and communities,” said Thomas. “Both my personal and professional experiences have strengthened my commitment to this mission, and I look forward to leading CCNS in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

CCNS selected and retained KEES, a nonprofit executive search firm specializing in executive searches for top nonprofit executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles, as its executive search partner in 2024. A comprehensive search was launched, and Applegate was ultimately selected from a passionate, diverse, and talented pool of finalists. CCNS’s search efforts were led by a Search Committee including Board President David Grant and Committee Members Robert Baker (President, V.J. Killian Co.), Marnie Schmisek (Assistant Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, Loyola University Chicago), and Elizabeth Taylor (Market President, North Shore Community Bank & Trust – Winnetka). 

“Thomas is an excellent choice for CCNS,” said the Board President David Grant. “His experiences and skills align closely with our key performance areas of Leadership, Management, and Partnership Building. We are excited to collaborate with him and leverage our collective community and organizational insights to shape and evaluate our priorities. As a native of Winnetka, Thomas has a deep connection to the community, and we look forward to seeing him use that shared pride to tell CCNS’s story and build meaningful relationships. The Board also appreciates the significant contributions Bob Sanfilippo made during his leadership of the organization over the past seven years, which has laid a strong foundation for our future success.” Sanfilippo retired earlier this year and will assist in the transition.

Applegate holds a Juris Doctor from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Urbana, IL. He is also a graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL.

“Thomas’ strong qualifications and collaborative spirit will lead CCNS to success,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy. “His energetic and strategic approach, along with his executive experience, enables him to engage effectively with staff, volunteers, and community partners. Additionally, his background in retail operations and marketing will be an invaluable asset that will enhance CCNS’s impact. Congratulations to the entire board and team at CCNS on this appointment!”

About Counseling Center of the North Shore

The Counseling Center of the North Shore (CCNS), based in Winnetka, IL, is a nonprofit mental health center with a mission of helping people through life’s challenges and transitions by providing access to counseling, therapy, and community education. With a commitment to fostering emotional well-being and mental health resilience, the Center serves clients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone receives the support they need to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives. Among the enduring projects that CCNS has maintained through the years is the Winnetka Thrift Shop whose proceeds extend the reach of the Counseling Center’s mission. The Winnetka Thrift Shop is a cherished community institution dedicated to providing quality, gently used clothing, household items, and unique treasures at affordable prices. To learn more about CCNS, its mission and services, please visit their website www.ccns.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 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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KEES Media Contact:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Counseling Center of the North Shore Media Contact:

Thomas Applegate, Executive Director, thomasapplegate@ccns.org