Campbell & Company Assists Friendly Center with CEO Search
February 7, 2024 – Campbell & Company has recruited Kenia Hernandez Cueto as the new president and chief executive officer for the Friendly Center, a non-profit that provides free programs and services for low-income families and individuals in Orange County, CA. Leading the assignment were Dan Nevez, vice president, executive search, and Kole Farrise, associate consultant, executive search. After 25 years in the role, Cathy Seelig announced last July that she would be retiring. “Dr. Cueto, renowned for her transformative leadership within the career technical education, K-12, community college, adult education, and workforce development spaces, steps into the role with a compelling vision to elevate Friendly Center’s vision and mission to provide stability, opportunity, and hope to children and families in poverty and end the cycle of generational poverty in orange county,” the non-profit said.
As Friendly Center approaches its 100th anniversary in April 2024, Dr. Cueto’s arrival marks a significant milestone in the organization’s history. “Her distinguished track record in driving growth and fostering innovation aligns seamlessly with Friendly Center’s commitment to serving the diverse communities of Orange County,” the organization said. “Dr. Cueto’s visionary approach, particularly in developing sustainable partnerships and implementing culturally responsive methods to strengthen the education-to-workforce pipelines in Orange County has proven to be a catalyst for positive change.”
In addition to her professional background, Dr. Cueto brings a wealth of community service and board leadership experience to her new role. She previously served as the vice chair of the board of directors at Vital Link. Dr. Cueto also serves as the vice chair of the board of directors at the Orange County Educational Arts Academy, where she actively contributes to enhancing educational opportunities. She also serves as an advisory board member at the Boys & Girls Club, Garden Grove, and as a mentor for The Puente Project at Fullerton College, guiding students on their educational journey. Dr. Cueto was also recently appointed as an academia ambassador at the United Nations Association Orange County.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead this wonderful organization and to join the Friendly Center family,” said Dr. Cueto. “I am excited to serve and contribute to its legacy and welcome in the next 100 years innovation and new avenues of growth that will continue to help break the poverty gap in Orange County.”
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Founded in 1924, Friendly Center is a comprehensive family and community resource center dedicated to improving the lives of children, adults, and seniors by helping them move toward self-sufficiency through immediate aid and a variety of educational and life skill programs. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization’s vision is to end generational poverty.
Non-Profits Specialists
With offices around the country, Campbell & Company offers counsel in advancement planning, fundraising, marketing communications and executive search for non-profit organizations in the education, health and medicine, arts and culture, environment, social service, and professional society fields.
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Mr. Nevez has more than 30 years of professional experience in higher education, arts and cultural institutions, and retained executive search. As a search consultant, he has successfully placed more than 200 senior executives at regional and national non-profits and associations. Mr. Nevez has extensive experience partnering with CEOs and boards as well as extensive, diverse networks that enable him to best serve his clients.
Mr. Farrise conducts original research, identifies, and interviews candidates, manages stakeholder relationships, and supports the search process. He actively identifies talent for Campbell & Company clients while also keeping a DEIA mindset front of mind.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
