Diversified Search Recruits President for March of Dimes Foundation

September 22, 2016 – Executive search firm Diversified Search has placed Stacey D. Stewart as president of the March of Dimes Foundation. She becomes the organization’s first black president. The search was led by Andrew Wheeler, managing director and practice leader of the firm’s education and not-for-profit practice.

The search was a six month long process of seeking input from senior management, volunteers, donors and other key stakeholders. The national search included more than 200 candidates with backgrounds across non-profit, business, government, medicine and the educational sectors.

Ms. Stewart most recently served as the U.S. president of United Way Worldwide, where she provided strategic direction in driving community impact, as well as enhancing the organization’s brand. She has held a number of senior roles, including chief diversity officer and senior vice president for the office of community and charitable giving at Fannie Mae, as well as president and chief executive officer for the Fannie Mae Foundation.

“The March of Dimes has an incredible legacy and history, and we were able to attract talented leaders from the non-profit, government, corporate, healthcare, and media sectors,” said Mr. Wheeler. “Stacey has the right kind of experience, passion for the mission, and fundraising and fundraising experience to carry the organization forward with excellence.”

Landing a Leader With Social Justice Impact

“We are very excited to have Stacey join us as the next president of the March of Dimes,” said Gary Dixon, chairman of the March of Dimes Foundation national board of trustees and chairman of the search committee. “She brings a wealth of experience as a non-profit CEO, a leader of complex organizations with national and global footprints, a fundraiser and a national spokesperson. Stacey is mission-driven and results-focused and is deeply committed to our mission and public service.”

“We were tremendously impressed with Stacey’s candidacy,” said Monica Luechtefeld, a search committee member and national board trustee. “She is an experienced executive who is deeply committed to our mission to give every baby a fighting chance. She has a vision for the March of Dimes: to grow the revenue base and enhance the Foundation’s financial strength; to engage our volunteers, employees and philanthropic supporters; and to continue our strong C.A.R.E.S. focus: community, advocacy, research, education and support.”

Ms. Stewart is considered a highly regarded and accomplished non-profit executive who will bring a keen sense of social justice to the March of Dimes, said the recruiters involved in landing her.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead an organization with such a storied history as the March of Dimes,” said Ms. Stewart. “Across polio, birth defects and the prematurity campaign – few organizations have made such a lasting impact on the futures of mothers and babies as the March of Dimes. I feel honored to join this tradition and seek new ways to reach and protect every mother and baby in the future.”

Diversified Search has worked with more than 300 educational institutions and not-for-profit organizations over a 40-year span. Its not-for-profit practice recruits leaders for associations, foundations, arts & culture organizations, religious groups, workforce development entities, as well as professional and social service concerns.

Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media

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