Stuff in the ‘Executive Search Firm’ Category
Concordia Place Selects Nathaniel Viets-VanLear as Inaugural Vice President of Youth Development and Impact Through Executive Search Partnership with KEES
Concordia Place, a vibrant mission-driven non-profit organization providing multigenerational programs, including early learning, after-school, and teen leadership for Chicago communities, is proud to announce Nathaniel Viets-VanLear as its inaugural Vice President of Youth Development and Impact.
Reporting to President and CEO Grace Araya, this newly created role is designed to elevate impact by strengthening and expanding Concordia Place’s high-quality youth and Out-of-School (OST) programs. Viets-VanLear will provide strategic leadership for the organization’s youth programming, turning bold vision into measurable outcomes that change young people’s lives. The executive search, led by KEES CEO and President Heather Eddy and Senior Project Manager Randi Blasutti, reflects the continued success of the ongoing partnership between Concordia Place and KEES.
Viets-VanLear most recently served as the Senior Director of Operations at My Block, My Hood, My City, where he was the principal strategic advisor to the CEO and maintained overarching operational and programmatic oversight of the organization. Most notably over the past year, he formalized the organization’s strategic infrastructure by establishing its very first Theory of Change and implementing a rigorous OKR (Objectives and Key Results) goals framework.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nathaniel to the team as our new Vice President of Youth Development and Impact,” said Grace Araya, President and CEO. “Nathaniel brings a powerful blend of operational excellence and practical strategy, perfectly suited to drive our Out of School Time programming. His proven track record of scaling impact and disrupting social inequities makes him an ideal leader to ensure our youth programs remain competitive and poised for growth.”
Viets-VanLear attended Concordia Place programming as a young child in its early days. Additionally, Viets-VanLear brings experience from multiple roles at both Howard and Evanston Community Center and with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
“Having come full circle as a former student in Concordia Place programs, an after-school teacher, and now a leader, I know firsthand the power of this organization’s impact on the community,” said Nathaniel. “Building on the success of a program that is already changing the lives of hundreds of teens each year is exciting. I want to magnify its secret sauce and help tell the story of its success in a way that the community will invest in. I look forward to pushing this mission forward at a critical time for the organization.”
Nathaniel holds a Bachelor’s in American Racial Studies from St. Olaf College and a Master’s degree in Social Sector Leadership from the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice. He also received an Obama Scholar credential for completing a social impact and networking program through the University of Chicago, Columbia College, and the Obama Foundation.
Concordia Place first partnered with KEES, a leading executive search firm specializing in nonprofit CEO search, executive recruitment, leadership transition, and public sector leadership, in 2023. Since then, KEES has helped secure multiple key leadership roles supporting the new CEO in truly building a team, ensuring the organization is equipped with dynamic talent to advance its mission.
“Nathaniel brings a lifelong connection to the Concordia Place mission alongside 15 years of dedicated nonprofit sector experience rooted in youth development,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEO of KEES. “We were proud to partner with Grace Araya on this pivotal, new role for Concordia Place, which evolved thoughtfully throughout the search process to meet the organization’s current and future needs. Nathaniel’s blend of lived experience, strategic agility, and deep operational expertise will be a tremendous asset to build on the mission and culture of Concordia Place.”
About Concordia Place
Inspired by faith, Concordia Place envisions bigger and better tomorrows where rich diversity strengthens learning and growth for all. Since 1981, Concordia Place has been disrupting social inequities through access to top-quality education, enrichment, and hands-on experiences that include children, teens, and families – together. By proactively addressing key social and economic needs, Concordia Place is where children and families go to learn, grow, and thrive. To learn more, visit www.concordiaplace.org.
About 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.
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CONCORDIA PLACE MEDIA CONTACT: Laurie Dayon, ldayon@concordiaplace.org
KEES MEDIA CONTACT: Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
Hotel Metropolitan Welcomes Dr. MarTeze Hammonds as Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Upper Town Heritage Foundation, the organization responsible for preserving the Hotel Metropolitan, has unanimously approved the hiring of Dr. MarTeze Hammonds as its Executive Director effective June 1, 2026. This marks a historic milestone as Hotel Metropolitan’s first paid staff position. The Hotel Metropolitan, located at 724 Oscar Cross Avenue, is a site dedicated to honoring African American accomplishments, innovation, and history.
“On behalf of the Upper Town Heritage Foundation Board of Directors, we welcome Dr. MarTeze Hammonds as the new Executive Director of the Hotel Metropolitan,” said Ms. Betty Dobson. “His love of community and African American history will help him to be the perfect leader for the Hotel Metropolitan. We are confident in Dr. Hammonds’ ability to take the Hotel Metropolitan to new heights.”
“I live and breathe Black history. Preserving and elevating the stories, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Americans—particularly those rooted in Kentucky—is not simply my profession; it is my life’s calling,” said Dr. MarTeze Hammonds. “Recently, I had the privilege of speaking at a statewide conference where I highlighted Kentucky’s rich and often overlooked Black history. As Executive Director of the Hotel Metropolitan African American Museum, I look forward to working closely with our Board of Directors, community stakeholders, and supporters to expand the museum’s reach, strengthen its impact, and ensure that the remarkable legacy of the Hotel Metropolitan continues to educate, inspire, and empower future generations.”
Dr. Hammonds is a Western Kentucky native with more than 15 years of experience across higher education, Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations, and community boards. His career reflects a consistent pattern of driving organizational change and strengthening programs that support access, equity, and community engagement. Dr. Hammonds holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, a Master of Science in Organizational Communication, Master of Science in Human Development and Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Murray State University. Dr. Hammonds is also currently working towards an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Services from John A Gupton College, which is set to be completed this Summer.
The Hotel Metropolitan has received national recognition and support, including funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to restore the iconic Purple Room. The newly created Executive Director position is part of a transformative initiative to expand staffing, enhance programming, and strengthen the hotel’s role as a cultural landmark and a driver of tourism and educational opportunities.
In 2024, the City of Paducah secured a $1.34 million grant from the Mellon Foundation on behalf of the Upper Town Heritage Foundation to invest in the hotel’s future. In 2025, the City and the Upper Town Heritage Foundation approved a three-year co-stewardship agreement to define the public-private partnership between the entities, including the City’s financial support.
Upper Town Heritage Foundation’s Board of Directors, in partnership with the City of Paducah, retained KEES as its executive search partner. A comprehensive and multi-phase search process was launched, attracting a large pool of national and regional candidates. The Interview Committee, led by Betty Dobson, Paducah Mayor George Bray, and Board President Rosa Scott, ultimately selected Dr. MarTeze Hammonds from an exemplary group of top finalists.
“Hotel Metropolitan is far more than a historic landmark; it is an essential part of the region and specifically, Paducah’s cultural and artistic identity. Partnering with the Upper Town Heritage Foundation Board and the City of Paducah is an honor, and we are grateful to all those involved for their collaboration and commitment throughout the process. Meaningful progress toward sharing the future of Hotel Metropolitan, as a result of this search, is inspiring,” said Founder and President/CEO of KEES Heather Eddy. “We are excited to see Dr. Hammonds and the Board lead the hotel into its next chapter. Congratulations, all!”
About the Partners
Hotel Metropolitan
Located in Paducah, Kentucky’s historic Upper Town neighborhood, the Hotel Metropolitan is a symbol of African American history, resilience, and culture. Built in 1908 by Maggie Steed, an African American entrepreneur, the hotel provided safe lodging for Black travelers during the Jim Crow era. Listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book and a stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit, it hosted notable guests including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Thurgood Marshall, Duke Ellington, and the Harlem Globetrotters.
More than a hotel, the Metropolitan served as a welcoming gathering place for Black travelers, entertainers, athletes, and civic leaders at a time when segregation limited access to basic accommodations and services. Although it ceased operating as a hotel in 1996, its legacy endures thanks in large part to local historian Betty Dobson (“Ms. Betty”), whose efforts helped save the property from demolition.
To learn more about Hotel Metropolitan, please visit their Facebook page.
KEES
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that buildsdiverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public entity 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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UPPER TOWN HERITAGE FOUNDATION MEDIA CONTACT:
Betty Dobson, bdobson.hotelmetro@currently.com
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
KEES Client Partner, Mutual Ground, taps Sylvia Acosta Chávez as its next CEO
Mutual Ground, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance abuse, has announced the appointment of Sylvia Acosta Chávez as its Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026. Sylvia will report to the Mutual Ground Board of Directors and serve as the organization’s chief executive, responsible for leading its strategic vision, operational growth, and community impact. The executive search, led by KEES CEO Heather Eddy and Senior Project Manager Randi Blasutti, reflects the success of the partnership between Mutual Ground and KEES.
“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome a leader who embodies both the professional expertise and the connection to the Aurora community necessary to guide Mutual Ground into its next chapter,” said Board President Dr. Renae Franiuk. “With a proven track record of organizational growth and a deep-seated dedication to survivor-centered services, Sylvia is uniquely positioned to lead our team and advocate for the individuals and families who rely on us every day.”
Sylvia’s leadership journey at the Spanish Community Center (SCC; Joliet, IL) began in 2018 as Family Advocacy Center Director, where she strengthened and stabilized support services by implementing quality assurance systems, enhancing compliance frameworks, and overseeing critical emergency assistance efforts for families across Will and Kankakee Counties. She later advanced to Executive Director, leading SCC through a period of transformational growth that more than doubled the organization’s operating budget while expanding integrated services in early childhood education, adult education, social services, and immigration services across multiple communities, creating a stronger continuum of care for families. Throughout her leadership, she has led initiatives focused on improving equity, addressing service gaps, and increasing access to culturally responsive care. Sylvia brings extensive experience in public systems leadership, fostering cross-sector partnerships, navigating complex regulatory environments, and translating strategy into meaningful community impact.
“I am incredibly honored to lead Mutual Ground, an organization whose mission is rooted in safety, healing, and hope,” said Sylvia. “Stepping into the CEO role is deeply meaningful because my connection to Mutual Ground is also personal. As a child, I received support through the organization following experiences of domestic violence and sexual abuse. During one of the most difficult times in my life, I was met with compassion, dignity, and genuine care. That experience shaped both who I am and the leader I strive to be. It showed me that the impact of an organization extends far beyond the services it provides— it can help people feel understood, valued, and empowered to move forward. I am humbled by the opportunity to work alongside the team, Board, and community partners as we build on Mutual Ground’s legacy and continue advancing comprehensive programs and resources for survivors.”
Sylvia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science from Aurora University. She serves on the 12th Judicial and Governor J. B. Pritzker Domestic Violence Fatality Review teams and is fluent in Spanish with professional experience in interpretation. She actively supports local community missions, serving on the boards of Guardian Angel Community Services, Zonta Club of Joliet, and Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
Mutual Ground partnered with KEES, a leading executive search firm for nonprofit and public sector leadership, in December 2025. The process attracted a highly talented and diverse pool of candidates. The search was led by Board President and Search Chair Dr. Renae Franiuk (Aurora University), supported by Search Committee members Marlene Deck (Compass Mortgage, retired), Neil Harnen (TrustBank Wealth Management), Jessica Moreno (Waubonsee Community College), and Jessica Phillips (Ulta Beauty).
“Sylvia’s leadership through organizational transitions and deep community involvement stood out as exceptional,” said Heather Eddy. “Her ability to stabilize complex programs while driving strategic growth makes her an ideal fit for Mutual Ground. KEES was honored to partner closely with the Board throughout the nonprofit CEO search process to identify a leader whose personal and professional values aligned with the organization’s mission of safety and healing. Congratulations to Sylvia and the entire Mutual Ground team on this exciting chapter.”
About Mutual Ground
Founded in 1975, Mutual Ground is the premier provider of victim services and substance use treatment in Southern Kane and Kendall Counties. Mutual Ground’s mission is to create a safe environment where individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and substance use can reclaim their power. They support the healing of our community through education, awareness, and life-changing services as a commitment to equity for all. To learn more, visit https://mutualground.org.
About 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. Known for its work in leadership transition and succession planning, nonprofit CEO and Founder/Founder-like leadership searches, and compensation analysis, we offer a comprehensive range of services spanning executive search, leadership development, compensation analysis, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
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Mutual Ground Media Contact: Betsy Santana, bsantana@mutualground.org
KEES Media Contact: Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
Business Enterprise Council Renews KEES WBE Certification Through the Commission on Equity and Inclusion
KEES is proud to announce the renewal of its certification as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE/WOB) through the Commission on Equity and Inclusion as part of the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). This continued certification reaffirms KEES’ commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and recognizes the firm’s sustained leadership and impact.
Founded in 2013 by President and CEO Heather Eddy, KEES has grown into a trusted national partner in executive search and consulting for nonprofit and public sector organizations. As a recertified WBE/WOB, KEES remains part of a strong network of women-owned businesses that drive impact and advance inclusive leadership.
“This recertification reflects both where we have been and where we are going,” said Eddy. “We remain committed to creating opportunities for women leaders and supporting the broader WBE/WOB community.”
The recertification process requires organizations to demonstrate ongoing operational excellence, financial stability, and a clear commitment to advancing diversity. KEES is proud to meet these standards year after year.
With more than 26 years of executive search experience, KEES has served clients in 42 states and across 55+ geographies. Notably, 97% of CEO and Executive Director finalist pools include women, and 65% of placements are women, underscoring KEES intentional focus on elevating diverse leadership.
The Commission on Equity and Inclusion works to expand supplier diversity by ensuring equitable access to contracting opportunities and providing support to certified businesses.
If your goals include expanding partnerships with WBE/WOB firms, we invite you to consider KEES for your professional service needs and join us in advancing a more inclusive business ecosystem.
For more information, please get in touch with us here.