Stuff in the ‘KEES Executive Search’ Category

Nonprofit Executive Search Firm KEES Selected by Hawaii Youth Symphony to Lead Recruitment Strategies for Upcoming Positions

KEES takes center stage to orchestrate dual searches for Director of Development and newly created Chief Operating Officer posts

In a significant stride towards advancing its strategic vision, Hawaii Youth Symphony proudly announces the selection of KEES as its search firm of choice to usher in a new era of growth and excellence for the nonprofit music education organization. KEES will be instrumental in identifying and appointing key leaders for two pivotal roles—Director of Development and Chief Operating Officer. Leading the search efforts at the executive search firm, specializing in both the nonprofit and public sector, will include KEES Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong and Project Manager Megan Taylor.

Hawaii Youth Symphony President and CEO Randy Wong selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “The KEES team and their excellence in nonprofit executive search stood out to us as being uniquely capable to help fill these dynamic leadership roles. They are familiar with our priorities, recognize the importance of our mission and vision, and appreciate the nuanced needs of youth orchestras.”

KEES holds high standards as an industry leader in Chief Operating Officer and Director of Development searches. With more than 23 years of experience in nonprofit executive search and hundreds of successful client partnerships, KEES continues to have a strong track record placing, creating, and supporting roles nationwide. In addition to success in Chief Operating Officer and Chief/Director of Development roles, KEES provides specialized expertise in all top leadership searches such as CEO and President, Executive Director, and Chief Financial Officer.

KEES’ work helps ensure that missions are fulfilled, visions are achieved, leaders can succeed, and clients can change the world through the meaningful missions they serve. This partnership builds upon KEES’ long list of client partners who serve and support arts organizations, arts education, and youth development in a multitude of ways.

“With a shared belief in the arts as social good and commitment to broadening access to the arts, KEES is poised to shape Hawaii Youth Symphony’s leadership team and contribute to HYS’s strategic vision,” said Yoo-Jin Hong, Executive Search Manager. “It is an honor to have been selected to work alongside Randy Wong and Hawaii Youth Symphony in this stage of growth. We look forward to partnering with HYS leadership in the coming months.”

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and questions concerning this dual search may be addressed to inquiries@kees2success.com.

About the Partners

Hawaii Youth Symphony

Established as a nonprofit organization located in Honolulu, HI, Hawaii Youth Symphony’s (HYS) mission is to foster fun and creative experiences for youth that inspire a deep appreciation for music and lifelong relationships within the culture of the Hawaiian islands. HYS is also among the largest independent youth symphony organizations in the country, serving over 700 students annually from more than 100 public, private, and home schools across the state. Incorporated in 1964 with a single 80-member orchestra, HYS has grown nearly 8-fold in the past half century with 13 different programs. For more information, visit www.hiyouthsymphony.org.

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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HAWAII YOUTH SYMPHONY MEDIA CONTACT:

Susan Wright, susan@beckercommunications.com

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Grow Your Own Illinois taps Richard Nettles as the next Chicago/Lake County Program Director

Grow Your Own Illinois (GYO-IL), an organization that develops a strong pipeline of teachers of color rooted in their school communities, has announced Richard Nettles as the new Chicago/Lake County Program Director. Effective January 22, 2024, Nettles will lead the Chicago/Lake County program, the largest and oldest of the four consortia in Illinois. KEES was appointed to lead the executive search last fall.

Nettles comes to GYO-IL having served as the Manager of Field Experience and Curriculum at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), where he defined strategies for all pre-service teacher training and managed the teacher pathways training team. Prior to CPS, Nettles held teacher candidate support roles at Northeastern Illinois University and Roosevelt University. He began his career in education as an African American History teacher at CPS’s Urban Prep Academy High School.

“We were seeking someone with a strong commitment to social justice and community investment, as well as deep knowledge of teacher licensure processes to manage GYO-IL’s Chicago and Lake County consortium,” said Dr. Liza Pappas, Executive Director of GYO-IL. “Richard’s experience in teacher education and his alignment with GYO-IL’s mission made him stand out. Undoubtedly, he will play a significant role with our team. An additional thank you to KEES for their professional focus throughout this process.”

“I am beyond excited to join the extraordinary team at Grow Your Own Illinois! As a Waukegan native and a resident of Chicago’s South Side, this work is very close to my heart. GYO-IL represents an opportunity to turn the tide of education exponentially,” noted Richard. “Beyond bridging the gap between what is and what could be, as the new Chicago/Lake County Program Director, I look forward to ensuring Black and Brown people have GYO-IL’s full support on their path to teacher licensure and that our communities are recognized for our assets, character, and contributions to this world.”

Nettles holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree (MAT) in Urban Education from the University of Chicago. Along with his Illinois Professional Educators License, he has earned endorsements in Elementary Education (K-9) and Secondary Education (9-12).

Grow Your Own Teachers (GYO-IL)

Grow Your Own Illinois’ (GYO-IL) mission is to support racially diverse and community-connected individuals to become certified teachers in hard-to-staff schools and positions to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for its students. GYO-IL believes that Illinois students, their schools and neighborhoods, and the teacher candidates are all enriched by this process. For more information, visit www.growyourownteachers.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.

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GROW YOUR OWN ILLINOIS MEDIA CONTACT:

Valentin Torres, vtorres@gyo-il.org

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission Announces Dr. Ed H. Noh as Next Executive Director with support from KEES

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (the commission) and Kistner Eddy Executive Services (KEES) are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ed H. Noh as the next executive director. With an extensive background in education leadership, including an Ed.D., Noh brings a wealth of experience in Hawaiʻi’s educational system. Serving thousands of children throughout the state, Hawaiʻi’s charter schools have been a source of innovation and community engagement in learning. Joining the commission in mid-February, Noh will sustain the progress made and help define the next decade of the commission. Leading the search efforts were President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor of KEES.

Bringing 30+ years of professional experience and more than 16 years of executive leadership experience in the education sector, Noh has a proven track record of driving educational excellence in both public and charter school systems. His vision aligns seamlessly with the commission’s goals of fostering innovation and ensuring the highest education standards for students across the state.

“We are delighted to welcome Ed as the new executive director of the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission,” said Dr. Cathy Ikeda, chairperson of the commission. “As a practitioner, parent, and administrative leader, his passion for education and proven leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to lead the commission forward. This role is the culmination of his career, and we look forward to working collaboratively with Ed to advocate for high quality education in Hawaiʻi’s public charter schools.”

Currently serving as Complex Area Superintendent at the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Noh provides executive leadership to 16 schools that educate 7,400+ students and oversees a $73.8M budget across the Castle-Kahuku Complex Area. Focused on high expectations, equity, and cultural understanding, Noh has cultivated a shared vision of instructional excellence through the Academic and Financial Planning process, fostering professional development among principals and complex area leaders. Responsible for tracking school performance indicators, Noh collaborates with principals to set professional goals. In his prior position as executive director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education Leadership Institute, Noh spearheaded initiatives such as a leadership pipeline, teacher innovation grants, and innovative teaching strategies during the pandemic. Additionally, as School Director of Kaʻōhao Public Charter School Noh achieved top-tier elementary school rankings, annual enrollment growth, and a balanced budget while introducing new classroom technologies. Noh holds a doctorate degree in Professional Educational Practice from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington.

Dr. Noh states, “I have always believed that charter schools fill an important need in the educational landscape of Hawaiʻi, and across the world, as the innovative arm of public education. ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana resonates with me because charter schools in Hawaiʻi are taking education to a ʻhigher level’ and rather than approaching the commission solely as an ʻauthorizer’, I lean on Dr. Peter Hanohano’s translation of Hoʻāmana as ʻto empower.’ Charter schools exist ʻto empower our communities to create schools of excellence.’ The commission can, and will fulfill its legal and fiduciary responsibility as the authorizer, by empowering school leaders and their respective governing boards, supporting them in their pursuit to serve their students, staff, families, and communities as they live out their mission and vision. I am honored, humbled, and excited to be part of this next phase of growth.”

This announcement follows a nationwide search, for which the commission competitively selected KEES, a premier executive search firm. A comprehensive search was launched in the Fall of 2023. Noh was ultimately selected from a passionate, motivated, diverse, and talented pool of nearly 30 national finalists. The commission’s search efforts were led by Commission Chair Cathy Ikeda, Commissioners Makalapua Alencastre, Alex Harris, Matthew Kodama, Roger McKeague, and Carl Takamura. Noh is the first permanent executive director since 2020. Noh succeeds two successful Interim leaders. Yvonne Lau, who is now the executive administrator of the University of Hawaiʻi Board of Regents, and currently PJ Foehr who has been leading the commission since April 2023.

“Having served in the public and charter educational systems at the school, district, and state levels, Noh understands the charter system in Hawaiʻi from a truly unique perspective. Ed is a bridge builder and a catalyst,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy. “Starting as a classroom teacher, his dedication to public education has been a consistent thread in his career, and it will undoubtedly be a valuable asset for the commission. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Noh as he assumes the role of executive director at the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission. Congratulations to all!”

About the Partners

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana)

The State Public Charter School Commission is the State of Hawaiʻi’s statewide charter school authorizer. The mission is to authorize high-quality public charter schools throughout the state. The commission’s strategic vision for the chartering of these high-quality schools is that they provide excellent and diverse educational options for Hawaiʻi’s families, prepare students for future academic or career success, and contribute meaningfully to the continued improvement of Hawaiʻi’s public education system as a whole. The commission has responsibility for oversight of all 37 Hawaiʻi charter schools. For more information, visit www.chartercommission.hawaii.gov.

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 human resources support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES matches education-focused client partners with leaders who help grow and shape education and systems to impact students, families, communities, and economies. From early childhood education to general and independent schools, community colleges, and public universities, KEES values the role education plays in shaping society’s future leaders. KEES also partners with clients that provide valuable wrap-around services such as mentoring, tutoring, and other support to K-12 programming. Our collaboration with Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission adds to our growing portfolio of education and charter school partnerships.

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KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

To schedule interviews regarding the KEES process, contact Jamie Sheffler.

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

HAWAIʻI STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION MEDIA CONTACT:

Meetings with Dr. Noh or Chair Ikeda can be arranged by emailing (info@spcsc.hawaii.gov)

Sheryl Turbeville, Sheryl.Turbeville@spcsc.hawaii.gov

Learning Bridge Early Education Center announces Bernice Mahan as its next Executive Director

Learning Bridge, a community-based, nonprofit early education center founded in 1944 as the Child Care Center of Evanston, has selected Bernice Mahan as its next Executive Director. Assuming her new role effective January 3, 2024, Mahan will build on its past, strengthen mission expansion, and create a stronger and more dynamic future for families served in Evanston, IL, and the surrounding neighborhood communities. Leading the search efforts included President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor of KEES.

Bringing over 28 years of experience in early childhood education as a licensed daycare provider for children from birth to five years as well as experience as an Adjunct Professor for National Louis University, Mahan is a passionate advocate for children and families who strives to establish a positive and effective learning environment for all children regardless of race, cultural identity, or socioeconomic status.

“As Learning Bridge proudly celebrates 80 years of dedicated service to the community, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of our new Executive Director,” said Deb Schlies Board President. “Bernice is a positive cultural influencer who leads with transparency and is ready to represent and empower our staff to create an environment of excellence. On behalf of the Learning Bridge community, we welcome Bernice and thank the KEES team for their expertise throughout the search process.”

In her previous role as Founder and Director at Tender Loving Daycare, Mahan managed all aspects, from curriculum development to staffing and financial oversight. Lauded for an inclusive approach, Mahan integrated Action For Children subsidized payments into Tender Loving Daycare’s payment options to increase accessibility to high-quality early childhood education for financially disadvantaged families with parents unable to work due to a struggle with mental health issues. Charged with developing yearly and long-term program goals along with establishing evaluation mechanisms, Mahan tracked progress toward strategic goals as well as program participation, quality, and effect while supporting teachers and parents.

As an Adjunct Professor at National Louis University, Mahan teaches online courses in early childhood education to a diverse student population. A people-centric nature has enabled Mahan to develop excellent communication skills which she utilizes to work collaboratively with Academic Advisors, students, and faculty to ensure student engagement and success.

“In my 28 years in the early childhood education field, I’ve consistently prioritized building strong relationships and advocating for practical, hands-on experiences with principles that align seamlessly with Learning Bridge’s mission,” said Mahan. “I am thrilled to have been selected as the next Executive Director and look forward to partnering with the Board to foster an inclusive school culture at Learning Bridge that promotes the well-being and academic success of the entire community – children, teachers, and staff alike.”

Leading the search efforts included Search Committee Chair Nikki Jarvis and Search Committee Members Ellen Collar, Candace Corr, Katerina Forbis, Liz Holding, Deb Schlies, and Mary Watt.

Learning Bridge retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in searches for top nonprofit executive roles, with experience in the early childhood space, earlier this year after reviewing several competitive proposals. A comprehensive search was launched, and Mahan was ultimately selected from a passionate, diverse, and talented pool of regional finalists.

Mahan holds a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and a master’s degree in early childhood education from National Louis University in Chicago, IL. She additionally holds an Aim 4 Excellence National Director Credential.

“With a balanced perspective on administration, teaching, community engagement, and policy advocacy, Bernice will undoubtedly successfully create innovative solutions and proven outcomes that will resonate with Learning Bridge’s mission and goals,” said Yoo-Jin Hong, Executive Search Manager of KEES. “We are proud to have been selected as the search partner of choice for Learning Bridge and thank the entire board for their partnership. Congratulations to all on this exciting news!”

About the Partners

Learning Bridge Early Education Center

Learning Bridge Early Education Center (formerly Child Care Center of Evanston) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that began as a daycare for 3-to-5-year-old children in 1944 during World War II. Providing equitable access to high-quality early learning in a caring and safe environment, Learning Bridge believes in affordable and accessible childcare and preschool education for children of all socioeconomic backgrounds so that every child thrives. Learning Bridge is licensed through the Department of Children and Family Services and accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and has earned the ExceleRate’s Gold Circle of Quality. Gold Circle programs are actively engaged in continuous quality improvement and have met the highest quality standards in three areas: learning environment and teaching quality; administrative standards; and staff training and education. Learning Bridge is additionally a recipient of ExceleRate’s ‘Award of Excellence for Preschool Teaching and Learning’. For more information, visit  www.lbeec.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. Our collaboration with Learning Bridge adds to our portfolio of Early Childhood Education partnerships and commitment to the success of ECE nonprofits and clients. Previous placements include Cornerstone Children’s Learning Center, Concordia Place, Louisiana Policy Institute for Early Learning, and multiple Educare sites across the nation. 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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LEARNING BRIDGE MEDIA CONTACT:

Deb Schlies, 847-707-9004, debschlies@gmail.com

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, 719-671-1129, jsheffler@kees2success.com

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Concordia Place, names Grace Araya as President and CEO

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 the appointment of its new President and CEO, Grace Araya. Concordia Place was founded by Concordia Lutheran Church in Chicago and is part of the multi-pronged social ministry of Concordia Ministries. This significant milestone results from a successful national executive search partnership with executive search firm KEES. Assuming her new role effective October 20, 2023, Araya will help the organization define its future and move forward into the next decade. Araya will succeed Concordia Place’s current leader and first President and CEO, Brenda Swartz, who agreed to remain in place until the Board successfully completed the search process. Swartz departs after more than two decades with an amazing record of growth and success and will turn over an organization with established systems and proven leadership in place.

Bringing 20 years of experience in early childhood education and over 5 years of nonprofit executive leadership experience, Araya is a strategic leader and mission amplifier. Her past work has brought missional work of an organization to a larger audience and broadened connections in the community. Focused on strengthening local communities’ ability to develop and implement community-wide, collaborative strategies that improve outcomes for children and families, Araya has a growth mindset and expertise in relationship-building, visionary leadership, and organizational growth.

In her role as Vice President of Community Impact for Illinois Action for Children, Araya led the strategic vision and implementation of the agency’s family engagement, partnerships, and community systems programs to support families with young children in Illinois. Directly overseeing ten programs, 40 staff, and an annual budget of $9M, Araya actively built relationships with national, state, and city partners, philanthropic partners, and community organizations to advance the work of the organization. During her tenure, Araya was instrumental in launching the Community Systems Statewide Supports training and technical assistance (T/TA) program for local collaborators and provided leadership in building out T/TA supports for the Birth to Five Illinois regional community systems effort.

Prior to Illinois Action for Children, Grace served in the role of Program Director for Eyes on the Future, an early education program serving Chicago’s north side. During her tenure, Grace secured more than $3M in funding through competitive grant writing to deliver Head Start, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership, Preschool for All, and Prevention Initiative programs and led the program in achieving NAEYC accreditation, Excelerate Gold Circle of Quality, and an Award of Excellence in Infant/Toddler Services.

Araya, a former refugee from Eritrea, grew up in a vibrant community in Chicago rooted in faith and service that inspires her drive to work and to lead with excellence. “My first job out of high school was a teacher’s assistant role in a preschool program and my first job out of college was to provide counseling to Chicago public high school students. I believe if we want to see a better tomorrow, we must invest in young children, youth, and their families,” said Araya. “I applaud the remarkable work and history of Concordia Place. Together, with the board and the entire Concordia Place team, I look forward to charting the course for the next era following the successful leadership of Brenda Swartz.”

Araya holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Art in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University, and a Master of Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago.

“We were seeking a relational and visionary leader to continue our organization’s growth and its increased impact in the communities we serve,” said Board Chair Kimberly Boike. “Grace’s extensive experience, coupled with her historical and personal passions for our mission, will further evolve Concordia Place in creating a stronger and more dynamic future. On behalf of the Board, we would like to officially welcome Grace to the Concordia Place community and thank Brenda for her 20+ years of outstanding leadership. We extend our sincere gratitude to KEES for their exceptional partnership through the executive search process. Their dedication to finding the right leadership match has been instrumental. Thank you KEES!”

Concordia Place competitively selected and retained KEES, a premier 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 2023 following Swartz’s announcement of her departure. A comprehensive search was launched, and Araya was ultimately selected from a passionate, motivated, diverse, and talented pool of national finalists. Concordia Place’s search efforts were led by a Search Committee including Board Chair Kimberly Boike (Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.), Rev. Stephen Bouman (St. Luke’s Lutheran Church), Daniel R. Formeller (Tressler, LLP), Andy Waters (Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA), and Rev. Nicholas J. Zook (Concordia Lutheran Church). 

“Working with the entire Search Committee has been remarkable,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “Grace brings the necessary experience to amplify and enhance the significant mission of Concordia Place. KEES is honored to have been selected as Concordia Place’s partner for this important search. Congratulations to all on this exciting announcement!”

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 www.kees2success.com.

ABOUT CONCORDIA PLACE

Inspired by faith, Concordia Place envisions bigger and better tomorrows where rich diversity strengthens learning and growth for all. Putting faith into action through service to all neighbors, Concordia Place works to instill in them a sense of community, purpose, and possibility. Rooted in the Gospel message of God’s grace for all people, faith in Christ is a lens through which to view and evaluate all actions.

With 4 locations across Chicago, Concordia Place disrupts social inequities through access to top-quality education, enrichment, and hands-on experiences that include all children, teens, and families—together. By proactively addressing key social and economic needs, Concordia Place provides services that support well-being and maximize potential, which in turn helps communities thrive and remain vibrant. To learn more about Concordia Place please visit www.concordiaplace.org.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CONCORDIA PLACE MEDIA CONTACT:

Katie Bernabei, kbernabei@concordiaplace.org

Center for Enriched Living Renews Partnership with KEES to Find Next Chief Executive Officer

KEES Executive Search Client Partner, Center for Enriched Living, seeks its next Chief Executive Officer following the exemplary leadership of the organization’s departing leader, Harriet Levy. 

Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Chief Executive Officer for Center for Enriched Living (CEL). CEL is a privately funded nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities to make new friends, have fun, and acquire new skills for social inclusion and independent living. KEES Vice President, Laura Weinman, and Project Manager, Megan Taylor, will lead the search following the successful tenure and upcoming retirement of the organization’s current leader, Harriet Levy.

This partnership builds upon KEES’ previous history and relationship with Center for Enriched Living. “On behalf of the entire Board, I would like to thank Harriet 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 Sue Bersh, President, Center for Enriched Living Board of Directors. “Our search committee is thrilled to retain KEES as our search partner of choice and we look forward to working with the KEES on this important search.” 

As a premier executive search firm, KEES specializes in executive searches for top executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Executive Director roles and has a successful history of placing accomplished nonprofit executives nationwide. This partnership builds upon KEES’ executive search history and expanding relationships with nonprofit organizations serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

“Congratulations to Harriet Levy as she takes this exciting next step, embarking on a well-deserved retirement,” states Laura Weinman. “It is an honor to renew our relationship with CEL during this exciting time in the organization’s history. We look forward to partnering with leadership during this leadership transition and furthering CEL’s important mission to enrich the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.” 

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and additional details concerning this upcoming Chief Executive Officer search may be addressed directly to Megan Taylor at mtaylor@kees2success.com

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.

ABOUT CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING   

For 55 years, Center for Enriched Living (CEL) has enriched the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by maximizing their opportunities for personal success, friendship, fun, employment, and community involvement. At CEL, members are empowered to realize their greatest potential, thrive within the community, and achieve their hopes and dreams. 

Supporting hundreds of members annually, CEL members come from a variety of settings – homes, schools, and area agencies where people live, work, and attend day programs. CEL has no geographic boundaries and members hail from 50 different Chicagoland communities. With members aged 13-80, CEL is open seven days a week for teens, adults, and seniors. Members can choose to participate in innovative and unique outcome-focused programs that cover a wide variety of interests and budgets, and represent social, recreational, educational, and employment opportunities. For more information, visit www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: Jamie Sheffler

jsheffler@kees2success.com

CENTER FOR ENRICHED LIVING MEDIA CONTACT: Angela Pasyk

angela@CenterForEnrichedLiving.org