CarterBaldwin Recruits CEO for Feed The Children
March 8, 2016 – CarterBaldwin Executive Search has placed J.C. Watts as president and chief executive officer of Oklahoma City-based Feed the Children. Bill Peterson, co-leader of the firm’s non-profit and academic search practice, led the assignment.
With a background in politics and business, the board of directors found Mr. Watts to be an ideal candidate. His experience serving others domestically and abroad, defending human rights, and combating global poverty positioned him, in their view, as the perfect incoming.
“Our vision is to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry, and the board trusts that J.C. will help us fulfill this goal,” said Feed the Children board chairman Rick England. “With J.C.’s diverse skill set, solid leadership and unwavering compassion, our organization will continue moving forward in our national and international efforts.”
Mr. Watts has led both small and large organizations, providing strategic focus, program guidance and business development. He has also spent considerable time traveling to impoverished countries, where he has seen poverty firsthand and developed a calling to help those in need.
Prior to his role as an Oklahoma congressman, where his peers elected him chairman of the Republican Conference, Mr. Watts was Oklahoma Corporation Commission chairman and a youth minister.
“CarterBaldwin is honored to have played a role in helping Feed the Children identify a leader in J.C. Watts who aligns with the mission, vision and values of this global non-profit serving children and families around the world,” said Mr. Peterson. “Mr. Watts will help Feed the Children fight to eliminate hunger and provide resources to make it possible for people to climb out of poverty and become capable of supporting themselves.”
Feed the Children’s mission is to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry. Since 1979, the organization has grown into one of the largest U.S.-based charities, distributing more than $344 million in food, essentials, educational supplies, and medicine, impacting close to nine million individuals in the U.S. and more than 4.9 million internationally.
CarterBaldwin leads searches for a wide range of companies, from non-profits to small, unique niche businesses to a $1 billion manufacturer. The firm’s recent work includes placing presidents for Mardel Christian Stores, DiversiTech Corporation, WinShape Foundation, Pinnacle Promotions and Owens Group International. It has also placed CEOs with Rea Magnet Wire and Plymouth Tube.
Mr. Peterson recruits senior leaders for state university systems, private education institutions, non-profit entities, healthcare organizations and related companies. With over 15 years of executive search experience, he has led hundreds of searches for chief executive officers, presidents, provosts, vice presidents and deans for private and public institutions, as well as senior level executives for corporate clients.
Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media
