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Stuff in the ‘nonprofit’ Category

The Olive Branch Mission Appoints Erin Shade as New Development Director

Olive Branch Mission, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food, shelter, housing, and human services to those unhoused, has selected Erin Shade as its Development Director effective July 22, 2024.

As a seasoned and successful fundraising professional with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit philanthropy, Erin will be responsible for building and leading the organization’s fundraising efforts and enhancing the overall community awareness of the agency and opportunities to invest in its mission.

Erin Shade brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, communications, and program leadership to her new role as Development Director at Olive Branch Mission. Early in her career, Erin secured philanthropic support for Wheaton College, a faith-based institution. She pivoted to the DuPage County Health Department, an impactful experience that led her to focus her fundraising skills on organizations dedicated to public health and social services. She also served as Director of Development at Chicagoland Habitat for Humanity, where she worked with all eight Habitat affiliates in the Chicagoland area by submitting grant proposals and assisting affiliates with strategy. Most recently, as Director of Development for MorningStar Mission Ministries in Joliet, Erin enhanced the major gift program and oversaw comprehensive development functions, including marketing, events, and volunteer management. Bringing familiarity with the Citygate Network, Erin has worked with and in rescue mission models similar to Olive Branch Mission.

“I’m thrilled to join Olive Branch Mission and further its important mission,” said Erin. “The chance to transform lives in concrete, measurable ways is my greatest aspiration. I have become increasingly aware of the critical need and shortage of housing and food security, and I look forward to contributing to a brighter future for those we serve.”

“Our team was seeking a compassionate and hands-on Development Director who shares our organization’s commitment to being a leader of change by providing quality service delivery that impacts homeless individuals and families,” said newly appointed Executive Director Katrina Coleman. “With a career history in fundraising, communications, and program leadership, Erin brings specific experience building and executing Development plans to support mission delivery. We also want to thank KEES for their role in creating and defining this new position. This was a critical hire, and Erin will be a fantastic addition to our leadership team.”

Olive Branch Mission retained KEES, a national executive search firm, as its executive search partner in 2023. A comprehensive search was launched, and Erin was selected from a talented pool of top finalists. Leading the search efforts were Katrina Coleman, Executive Director, and Jeremy Glenn, Chair of the Board of Directors, supported by KEES fundraising experts Laura Weinman and Megan Taylor.

Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in philosophy from Wheaton College. Erin is an active member of the Association for Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and volunteers at her local food pantry in West Chicago, as well as with the Prairie Path cleanup initiative.

KEES supported this hire through our Executive Search service and was delighted to be selected as Olive Branch Mission’s partner of choice.

ABOUT OLIVE BRANCH MISSION

Olive Branch Mission is strategically engaged in creating opportunities for life transformation, growth, development, and restoration of individuals, families, and communities, preserving human dignity, improving quality of life, and achieving enduring self-sustainability and self-determination. Olive Branch Mission, established in 1867, is the oldest Rescue Mission in the City of Chicago and a valued partner to the city’s Department of Family & Support Services and the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. A place where lost, injured, broken, and desperate lives can freely, safely, and unconditionally receive help, love, and care, Olive Branch Mission is in the business of human development, providing opportunities for recovery, restoration, reinstatement, and re-entry into productive life. Founded by women of the Free Methodist Church, the same policy of Christian hospitality continues today at Olive Branch Mission with a Christ-centered service model – “no one is turned away.” To learn more, please visit www.obmission.org.

ABOUT KEES

KEES provides services to strengthen leadership teams through Executive Search, Board Coaching, Leadership Development, Human Resources Consulting, Specialty/Interim staffing, and Philanthropy/Fundraising, all with a focus on DEIB and equity lenses. Partnering with housing-focused missions for over 25 years, we believe housing is essential for individuals, families, and communities to thrive. From emergency housing, shelter (like Olive Branch Mission), supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing needs, and supportive services related to housing, affordability, and housing finance, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics. KEES also partners with clients who provide valuable wrap-around services such as food, transportation, employment, and education.

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KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

OLIVE BRANCH MISSION MEDIA CONTACT:

Katrina Coleman, kcoleman@obmission.org

Cunningham Children’s Home Announces Anthony “Tony” Wilson as Director of Residential and Clinical Services

Cunningham Children’s Home, an exemplary child welfare and educational services agency that provides caring support and therapeutic intervention through comprehensive programs, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anthony “Tony” Wilson as its new Director of Residential and Clinical Services. Cunningham offers residential treatment, special education, and community-based services. This significant milestone results from a successful partnership with executive search firm KEE S. Assuming his new role effective July 22, 2024, Wilson will provide leadership for the therapeutic treatment of clients in Cunningham’s Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP) and group homes.

With 30 years of experience in Residential Centers primarily in the child welfare field, Wilson has worked with challenging units and understands that the work can be hard and heavy. Wilson joins Cunningham Children’s Home with a wealth of expertise, previously serving as Program Director at The Baby Fold and, prior to that, as Executive Director at Nexus, Woodbourne. His background encompasses strategic planning, financial management, and relationship building.

“I am excited to serve the mission of Cunningham Children’s Home, which aligns with my commitment to nurturing hope and helping youth and families thrive,” said Wilson. “When youth are offered hope, they can achieve their goals. Sometimes we all need support to overcome obstacles. I look forward to working alongside Marlin Livingston, LCSW and President/CEO, and the Cunningham team to ensure our programs effectively meet the needs of youth and help them succeed.”

“With extensive background in child welfare and mental health, Tony is set to lead initiatives that will enhance the care and support provided to the youth and families we serve. His commitment to fostering a nurturing environment aligns perfectly with our mission to empower and uplift those in need,” said Livingston. “We also extend our gratitude to KEES for their exceptional expertise during the search process. This is a unique and difficult role to fill, and KEES was creative, adaptive, and tireless in their outreach efforts.”

Cunningham Children’s Home retained KEES, a premier executive search firm specializing in executive searches for top nonprofit executive positions, as its executive search partner early in 2024. A comprehensive search was launched, and Wilson was ultimately selected from a passionate and motivated pool of finalists. KEES provided essential expertise in sourcing and recruiting, ensuring a thorough candidate evaluation to identify and find top-tier candidates who aligned with the company’s culture to drive long-term success.

“KEES is thrilled to see the results of this executive search and the leadership Tony will bring to Cunningham Children’s Home,” says KEES Project Manager Randi Blasut ti. “Congratulations to everyone involved, especially the youth and staff at Cunningham who will greatly benefit from Tony’s expertise and guidance. We valued our partnership with the Cunningham team throughout this important search and look forward to continuing our partnership to foster positive change in the future.”

ABOUT CUNNINGHAM CHILDREN’S HOME

Located in Urbana, IL, Cunningham Children’s Home provides caring support and therapeutic intervention to more than 846 youth and families annually through comprehensive programs including residential treatment, special education, and community-based services.

Today, Cunningham is a fiscally healthy organization with a $31M annual operating budget and an endowment of $38M, with a state-of-the-art facility that sits on a 37-acre wooded campus supported by an overall team of 400 staff members. To learn more, please visit www.cunningham.or g.

ABOUT KEES

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KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CUNNINGHAM CHILDREN’S HOME MEDIA CONTACT:

Ginger Mills, gmills@cunninghamhome.org

Hawaii Youth Symphony Announces Carmela Resuma as its Director of Development with support from KEES

Hawaii Youth Symphony (HYS) and K EES are pleased to announce the appointment of Carmela Resuma as HYS Director of Development, effective immediately. As a member of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the non-profit’s President and CEO, Resuma will implement creative philanthropy strategies to diversify and strengthen HYS’s resource development in support of its vision for growth and broader community impact in the coming years.

Resuma brings a rich tapestry of experience, woven through twenty years of fundraising, to the post. Resuma’s passion for missions centered on youth empowerment, cultural connectivity, education, equity, and social impact resonates deeply with the ethos of HYS.

Through her consulting firm, she has partnered with a diverse array of non-profits and international NGOs to implement successful fundraising strategies that enabled them to scale their impact. She also served as the Executive Director of the Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education (FLYTE), an organization that works to create equity in the study abroad space. During her 5 year tenure, she developed new streams of revenue for FLYTE to include a monthly giving program, stewarded major donors, wrote grants that were subsequently renewed, and also penned the organization’s first major corporate partnership.

“As someone committed to advocating for equity in education, youth development, and social justice, joining the HYS team is a natural extension of my vocation and passion. I am thrilled at the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring organization,” said R esuma. “The mission of HYS, and its bold vision that access to music education is a right, deeply resonates with me. It is an honor to join a team that believes in opening doors, fostering creativity, and empowering young people to become active members of their communities.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Carmela as our Director of Development,” said President and CEO Rand y Wong. “With close to two decades of dedicated service within equity-focused organizations across nonprofit and governmental realms, Resuma’s multifaceted background as a Development Director, Executive Director, consultant, and advisor to esteemed NYC officials positions her as a versatile asset to the HYS team. She comes to us at just the right time with the development expertise and leadership we need to build on our strong foundation and drive our mission forward. Thank you to KEES for their guidance and expertise in the search process.”

Resuma holds a bachelor’s degree in social justice studies and mathematics from Saint Elizabeth University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and policy from New York University. Additionally, as a devoted mālama ‘āina volunteer, Resuma is an active volunteer with various community led organizations, such as Kānaka Climbers, Protect and Preserve Hawaii, and 808 Clean-Ups.

“Carmela brings a wealth of experience and insight,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy. “Her analytical and data-driven mindset, coupled with a fervent passion for seeking creative and innovative solutions, will undoubtedly lead HYS to new heights of impact and success. Congratulations to Carmela, the leadership team, and the entire HYS community on this exciting hire.”

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 ww w.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

Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency selects KEES to lead its Interim CEO and Chief Executive Officer Search Efforts

In a significant step towards advancing its strategic goals of enhancing housing affordability, preventing homelessness, and expanding housing options, Los Angeles Cou nty Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) proudly announces the selection of Kistner Eddy Executive Search (KEES) as its executive search consulting partner. KEES will work alongside LACAHSA leadership in spearheading the Spring 2024 Interim CEO search, followed by the Permanent CEO search anticipated to begin in November 2024. Leading the search efforts at the executive search firm, specializing in both the nonprofit and public sectors, will include the KEES team of President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor.

Los Angeles County, the largest country in the United States, is facing the most significant housing crisis in the region’s history, as hundreds of thousands of residents experience housing instability, are at risk of homelessness and being pushed out of their communities. The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) was born out of the fundamental belief that housing is a human right, regardless of age, race, class, disability, and gender.

In an effort to develop and enhance tools to unlock investment and scale for housing production and preservation of existing affordable housing, and to prevent people from falling into homelessness, a coalition of elected leaders, community organizations, and housing and homelessness experts partnered with multiple stakeholders to pass Senate Bill (SB) 679, which was subsequently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and officially created LACAHSA. As an independent government agency that has jurisdiction within the County of Los Angeles and is governed by a board composed of 21-voting members and one non-voting member, the long-term vision of the leadership is driving innovative solutions to ensure access to housing all Angelenos can afford.

LACAHSA selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. This choice is a testament to KEES’s commitment to excellence and its ability to align with the goals of LACAHSA. The Interim CEO search is already underway, paving the way for a seamless transition as LACAHSA positions itself for long-term success. The subsequent CEO search slated for a November 2024 timeline, is poised to attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates committed to advancing affordable housing initiatives and making a difference in the lives of residents throughout Los Angeles County.

“I am proud to chair this effort and excited KEES was selected,” said Victor Sanchez, City of Bellflower Council Member and member of the LACAHSA Board. “Working with the LACAHSA Executive Board, chaired by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, we wanted a firm as innovative as we see the initiative. KEES offers a distinctive perspective and extensive expertise in housing and homelessness, and we’re eager to build on our momentum. Our team is committed to identifying candidates who will advocate for affordable housing solutions and contribute to positive community change.”

“We are honored to work in partnership with the LACAHSA Board to advance the important work to ensure every resident in LA County has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy.

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

About the Partners

Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency

The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) was created to make housing more affordable, help people stay in their homes, and increase housing options for people experiencing homelessness. It is a regional organization focused on all of L.A. County and by having leaders from across the county, and a single CEO, it is accountable enough to cut through red tape so we can do more than ever before. To learn more, please visit: www.lacahsa.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 HR support. For more information, please visit KEES. KEES provides services to strengthen leadership teams through Executive Search, Board Coaching, Leadership Development, Human Resources Consulting, Specialty/Interim staffing, and Philanthropy/Fundraising, all with a focus on DEIB and equity lenses. Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES has partnered with housing-focused missions in 40 states for over 25 years. We believe housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. From emergency housing, shelter, supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing needs, and supportive services related to housing and affordability, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics. KEES also partners with clients who provide valuable wrap-around services such as food, transportation, employment, and education.

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LACAHSA MEDIA CONTACT:

Lenee Richards (Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell), LRichards@bos.lacounty.gov

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

Washington State Housing Finance Commission Announces Nashika Stanbro as its first DEI Director with support from KEES

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission and KEES are pleased to announce the appointment of Nashika Stanbro as its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Director.

As a member of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the executive director, Stanbro will cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles across the Commission and provide key leadership in implementing anti-racist strategies. Leading the search efforts were Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong and Project Manager Randi Blasutti of KEES.

Stanbro brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record as a DEI professional and racial equity champion. Most recently, Stanbro was Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Community Transit in Snohomish County, developing DEI strategies and initiatives in support of more than 800 employees. Before stepping into this inaugural DEI position at Community Transit, she served as a crisis communication and media relations specialist.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nashika as our first DEI Director at this crucial juncture for the Commission,” said Steve Walker, executive director of the Housing Finance Commission. “She comes to us at just the right time with the expertise and leadership we need to build on the strong foundation of our Racial Equity Strategic Plan and further our transformation into an anti-racist organization.”

Stanbro says, “The mission of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission resonates with me on a deep level. Increasing housing access and affordability, and expanding community services are vital in developing self-sustaining communities. The Commission’s work aligns with my core value of making a difference in the lives of others, and I am beyond excited to join the team.”

Stanbro holds degrees in Integrated Strategic Communications from Everett Community College and Washington State University. She has also completed extensive professional studies and leadership training focused on DEI, racial equity, and anti-racism.

About the Partners

Washington State Housing Finance Commission

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (the Commission) is a market-driven and self-supporting state agency dedicated to increasing housing access and affordability and to expanding quality community services for the people of Washington. Homelessness and lack of housing affordability are crises that affect many communities across the state. The Commission plays a key role in the solution to these problems by partnering to transform lives, neighborhoods, and communities. For forty years, the Commission has enabled more than 100,000 Washington residents to buy homes and created or preserved more than 110,000 affordable apartments for residents ranging from working families to seniors to the unhoused. To learn more, please visit www.wshfc.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 human resources support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

KEES provides services to strengthen leadership teams through Executive Search, Board Coaching, Leadership Development, Human Resources Consulting, Specialty/Interim staffing, and Philanthropy/Fundraising, all with a focus on DEIB and equity lenses. Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES has partnered with housing-focused missions for over 25 years. We believe housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. From emergency housing, shelter, supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing needs, and supportive services related to housing and affordability, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics. KEES also partners with clients who provide valuable wrap-around services such as food, transportation, employment, and education.

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KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

WASHINGTON STATE HOUSING FINANCE COMMISSION MEDIA CONTACT:

Margret Graham, Margret.Graham@wshfc.org

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

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commissio n (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

KEES Retained by Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission to Lead Executive Director Search

Executive search firm KEES has been exclusively retained by the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (SPCSC) in its search for its next Executive Director. SPCSC was established in 2012 to increase accountability and quality within Hawaiʻi’s charter school system. Based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and reporting to the Commission, the Executive Director carries the organization’s mission to continue the transformation of Hawaiʻi’s system of charter schools. Serving thousands of children throughout the state, Hawaiʻi’s charter schools have been a source of innovation and community engagement in learning. The new Executive Director will sustain the progress made to date and help achieve new levels of success.

Leading the search will be KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor. Also supporting the partnership is Randy Wong, who serves as a Strategic Advisor with KEES to support projects in his areas of expertise.

As a premiere executive search firm for nonprofit organizations that also partners with public Boards, Commissions, and Associations, KEES specializes in searches for top executive positions such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, and President roles. With a long history of placing accomplished executives for over two decades, the team at KEES has been a leader in offering a proven search process with creative and unique approaches designed to fit each client partner’s needs. In recent work, KEES has partnered with the Washington State Charter School Commission, various public and charter schools, and other entities with a mission focus on education and/or early childhood education.

From early childhood education to general and specialty schools, community colleges, and four-year Universities, KEES has matched our education-focused client partners with leaders who have helped grow and shape education and systems to impact students, families, communities, and economies. Additionally, KEES has partnered on searches for clients that provide valuable mentoring, tutoring, and other support to K-12 programming.

The agency’s Commissioners awarded the Request for Proposal contract to KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “KEES proposal conveyed its expertise and competence. We selected them based on their responsiveness to our RFP process, their enthusiasm for SPCSC’s mission, and their search approach that tailors to each organization,” said Cathy Ikeda, Chairperson of the Commission. “The Commission is grateful for KEES’ participation in this process, and we are confident that KEES will help us identify an exceptional leader for SPCSC.”

KEES’ work helps ensure that each client partner’s missions are fulfilled and visions are achieved so that they can change the world through the meaningful missions they serve. The partnership with Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission builds upon KEES’ long list of client partners who serve and support educational impact in a multitude of ways.

“It is an honor to have been competitively selected to lead Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission into this stage of growth and transition,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “The SPCSC undertakes such important work to provide high-quality and diverse educational options for Hawaiʻi’s families, prepare students for future academic and career success, and contribute to building an equitable public education system in the state. We are thrilled to begin the partnership. The KEES team is strengthened by a local executive leader Randy Wong, who leads and partners with youth organizations that serve many students across Hawaiʻi.”

All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. If you would like to recommend someone for this role or have any questions, please email inquiries@kees2succes.com. Further details regarding the Executive Director opportunity will be released soon.

About the Partners

Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission (ʻAha Kula Hoʻāmana)

The State Public Charter School Commission or “the Commission” is the State of Hawaiʻi’s statewide charter school authorizer. The mission of the Commission 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 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 human resources support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

HAWAIʻI STATE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION MEDIA CONTACT:

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

Cradle Kalamazoo’s search for New Executive Director

Nonprofit Executive Search Firm KEES has been exclusively retained by Cradle Kalamazoo for the Executive Director search. Cradle Kalamazoo is a collective impact Initiative that is fiscally sponsored by YWCA Kalamazoo. This role will also serve as the Vice President of Community Health (YWCA Kalamazoo).

The Board of Cradle Kalamazoo has retained KEES, an executive search firm for nonprofits, as its partner in the search for an experienced and accomplished Executive Director. The role also serves as the Vice President of Community Health for YWCA Kalamazoo.

The Executive Director of Cradle Kalamazoo provides strategic oversight and leadership in addressing the root causes of health inequities that affect infant mortality in Kalamazoo County. As the primary champion and face of the Initiative, the Executive Director will represent the tangible impact of Cradle in the community. Reporting to the YWCA CEO and the Governance Chairs of Cradle, they will build on the existing relationship and resources and strengthen the Initiative’s work, continually advocating for the purposes and goals of Cradle.

Under the Maternal Child Health strategic focus area of YWCA Kalamazoo, the Executive Director will supervise and guide a team comprised of four Coordinators (Public Health, Health Equity, Community Health, and overall Project), along with the WISH team (Women and Infant Supportive Health), with a grant-funded budget of approximately $1.2M and implement the 2023 strategic plan.

For more information on this leadership opportunity, please read the full Opportunity Guide here: https://bit.ly/ED-and-VP-Cradle-Kalamazoo-YWCA

Cradle Kalamazoo seeks an impact-driven individual, who understands the inequities and disparities that exist in public health and is driven for change, particularly for black infants and their mothers. The successful candidate will be detail-oriented, possess stellar communication skills, and be able to communicate with key stakeholders and partners. They must embody a passion for the mission and be a proactive advocate for the Initiative.

This search is being managed by Randi Blasutti and Heather Eddy of KEES. Questions and confidential inquiries may be addressed directly to rblasutti@kees2success.com.

About the Partners

CRADLE KALAMAZOO

Cradle Kalamazoo (Cradle), a multi-agency community initiative housed within YWCA Kalamazoo, aims to identify, and implement evidence-based and holistic interventions in order to reduce infant death and promote respect for families, women, and their children. Operating with a Collective Impact model, Cradle conveys key partner agencies, voices, and experts, using a structured form of collaboration to improve birth outcomes. To learn more, please visit www.cradlekalamazoo.com.

KEES

KEES MEDIA CONTACT:

Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com

CRADLE KALAMAZOO MEDIA CONTACT:

Hannah Grabowski, hgrabowski@ywcakalamazoo.org