Stuff in the ‘mental health’ Category
KEES Client Partner, Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center, taps Sylvia Zaldivar as its next Chief Executive Officer
Skokie, Illinois – Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center (TPBH), an outpatient mental health center that contributes to creating healthier, happier communities where people can be heard, cared for, and respected, has announced the appointment of Sylvia M. Zaldivar as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately. Sylvia will report to the TPBH 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 President and CEO Heather Eddy and Senior Project Manager Randi Blasutti, reflects the success of the partnership between TPBH and KEES.
Sylvia most recently served as Executive Director of the Health Foundation of Cook County, where she successfully built the organization’s infrastructure, increased revenue through new projects and events, and deepened the foundation’s partnership with Cook County Health to increase opportunities and the impact of its programs. Sylvia’s work at the Health Foundation highlighted a focus on community-centered solutions, including awarding millions of dollars in scholarships to aspiring health professionals and launching a pilot program to provide paid internships to Community Health Workers.
“Throughout her career, Sylvia has stood with our neighbors on the margins – the poor, minorities, domestic violence survivors, justice involved families, immigrants and many who are at a low point in their lives,” said Randy Roberts, President of the TPBH Board of Directors. “Her unique blend of deep clinical experience and exceptional track record of leadership and stewarding millions in resources to create transformational initiatives makes her an excellent match to guide Turning Point Behavioral Health into its next chapter. We are confident that Sylvia’s lived experience as the proud daughter of Cuban refugees, her lifelong service to our neighbors, and her passion for community-centered solutions will deeply enrich all those we serve and strengthen our impact.”
Sylvia brings a strong track record of success in both nonprofits and philanthropy and has served as the inaugural executive director for several organizations including The Lake County Community Foundation and Maestro Cares Foundation. Before the Health Foundation of Cook County, Sylvia served as WINGS first Chief Development Officer, leading a team that significantly increased revenue, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, a critical time for an agency serving survivors of domestic violence. Her extensive leadership history also includes seven years working abroad in Latin America as a consultant and senior advisor to several nonprofits, foundations and families, and leading the creation and launch of The Chicago Community Trust’s first identity-focused funds, The African American Legacy, and Nuestro Futuro. Before her roles in executive leadership, Sylvia was a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and began her career as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Cook County, IL.
“Returning to the behavioral health space in a clinical setting feels like a full circle moment,” said Sylvia. “Turning Point plays a critical role in the communities I grew up in and love, and I am honored to lead the organization at such a pivotal time, and to continue the legacy established over 30 years by Ann Raney. I am excited to work alongside TPBH’s incredibly dedicated staff to ensure our communities always have a safe, reliable place to turn for care.”
Sylvia holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mundelein College and a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Illinois Institute of Technology. She has a Graduate Certificate from Loyola University in Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy, and was one of the state’s first clinicians to achieve licensure in 1992.
The search was conducted in partnership with KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in mission-driven organizations and nonprofit CEO search. The process attracted a highly talented and diverse pool of candidates from across the nation. The search was led by Board President Randy Roberts and supported by Search Committee members Nives Bernardi, Brian Clarke, Marge Kray, and David Rosario. Sylvia will come in to lead forward after Ann Raney, who served as CEO for a quarter of a century, and was with Turning Point for over 3 decades, retired on June 30, 2026.
“Sylvia is a dynamic executive leader who brings an understanding of both the funding and operational sides of the nonprofit sector, as well as clinical mental health,” said Heather Eddy, President and CEOof KEES. “Her extensive history of leading organizations through key growth transitions and forging meaningful stakeholder relationships makes Sylvia the perfect match for Turning Point’s mission. The KEES team proudly congratulates both Turning Point and Sylvia on this exciting new chapter of leadership and community impact.”
About Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center
Established in 1969, Turning Point Behavioral Health serves diverse communities throughout metropolitan Chicago. The agency provides outpatient therapy for children, adults, and families, case management, community support groups for adults with severe and chronic mental illness, a residential program, and free crisis services. Turning Point Behavioral Health is conveniently located close to public transportation. Turning Point Behavioral Health has consistently been awarded the highest rating from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, please visit www.tpoint.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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Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Media Contact: Jennifer “Jen” Sultz, jsultz@tpoint.org
KEES Media Contact: Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center Partners with KEES to Find its Next CEO
Nonprofit executive search firm KEES has been retained to find the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center, a leading nonprofit outpatient mental health center in Skokie, IL. Since 1969, Turning Point Behavioral Health has delivered compassionate, affordable mental health care to children and adults across the Chicago metropolitan area. KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy and Senior Project Manager Randi Blasutti will lead the search following the planned retirement of the organization’s current CEO.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to express our deep gratitude to Ann Raney for nearly 30 years of visionary leadership,” said Randy Roberts, Board President. “While her decision to retire is bittersweet, we’re excited for her next chapter and look forward to finding a CEO who will continue advancing Turning Point Behavioral Health’s mission with the same dedication and heart.”
KEES is a premier executive search firm specializing in CEO, President, and Executive Director roles. The firm is known for successfully placing top nonprofit leaders, particularly during transitions following long-term leadership. KEES brings deep expertise in behavioral health, social services, and nonprofit healthcare. With a 25-year deep commitment to the metro-Chicago region, KEES continues to help organizations secure transformative leadership to advance community-focused missions.
The Board of Directors has established a Search Committee to lead the process of identifying the organization’s next CEO. The committee has officially begun its work and is committed to a thorough, thoughtful search.
“Congratulations to Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center on this exciting new chapter,” says Eddy. “As a trusted mental health services provider, Turning Point Behavioral Health plays a vital role in the region. We’re honored to support the CEO search and thank Ann for her years of dedicated service. The next leader will build on her legacy, advancing equity and access to mental health care. We’re proud to partner in this transition and remain committed to Turning Point Behavioral Health’s continued growth and success.”
Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and additional information about this CEO search may be directed to Randi Blasutti at rblasutti@kees2success.com.
ABOUT TURNING POINT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE CENTER
Turning Point Behavioral Health Care Center is a nonprofit mental health organization that annually serves more than 1,100 adults and children from throughout metropolitan Chicago. Headquartered in Skokie, Illinois, Turning Point Behavioral Health offers a wide range of outpatient services, including crisis support, individual and group therapy, case management, and a residential program. The organization has consistently earned the highest accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and has received both local and national awards, recognizing its leadership in the field. To learn more, visit www.tpoint.org.
ABOUT KEES
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search and consulting firm that builds diverse teams and dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A certified woman-owned and operated firm, KEES provides executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, compensation analysis, and HR consulting. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
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TURNING POINT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH MEDIA CONTACT:
Jennifer Sultz, Development Director, jsultz@tpoint.org
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