Stuff in the ‘nonprofit’ Category
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 County 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.com.
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 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
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 (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 non-profit 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
CRADLE KALAMAZOO MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Grabowski, hgrabowski@ywcakalamazoo.org