Cowen Partners Seeking CEO for United American Indian Involvement
May 19, 2025 – Vancouver, WA-based Cowen Partners Executive Search was recently called in by United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII) to lead in its search for a new CEO. Sam Torres, managing director, is leading the assignment. “In a period of evolving community needs and dynamic partnerships with tribal, city, county, state, and federal stakeholders, it is essential for UAII to have visionary leadership that not only understands our mission but also embodies our cultural values,” said Hope Craig-Corlew, chair of the UAII board. “We are confident that Cowen Partners, with their deep expertise in executive searches, will help us identify a candidate who will lead UAII with integrity, innovation, and a profound commitment to our communities.”
UAII anticipates that this search will yield a CEO who will enhance the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality, integrated services rooted in Native traditional values. The selected candidate is expected to build on UAII’s vision of providing comprehensive physical, behavioral health, education, and social support services, thereby fostering the continued growth and cultural preservation of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities.
“This strategic partnership reflects UAII’s commitment to securing exceptional leadership that will continue to drive forward its mission of promoting and supporting the physical, behavioral, and spiritual well-being of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities,” Cowen Partners said.
UAII is a community-based organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations in urban centers. With a mission centered on promoting high-quality, culturally integrated services, UAII works to reconnect individuals and families with their language, culture, and traditions while responding to the ever-changing needs of the communities it serves.
Cowen Partners serves both small and large, publicly traded, pre-IPO, private, and non-profit organizations. Its clients are typically $50 million to multi-billion-dollar revenue Fortune 1000 companies or have assets between $500 million to $15 billion. Placements span the entire C-suite and include VP and director-level leadership roles. Cowen Partners has placed hundreds of candidates in industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, financial services, and private equity.
Shawn Cole is a co-founder of Cowen Partners. He is a serial entrepreneur and executive leader with over 15 years’ experience founding and running companies. His business career has been centered on value creation for both turnarounds and start-ups. Mr. Cole helps find executive talent, such as a CEO, CFO, COO, chief revenue officer, and chief marketing officer. Clients are both small and large, publicly traded, pre-IPO, private, and non-profit organizations, typically $50 million to multi-billion dollar revenue Fortune 1000 companies or have assets between $1 billion and $15 billion.
As a founding partner of Cowen Partners, Ash Wendt has drawn on his career experience in sales and executive recruiting. As a founding partner and practice leader for Cowen Partners sales and marketing division, Mr. Wendt has placed high-quality executives in positions such as chief revenue officer, chief marketing officer, vice president of sales, and vice president of marking, among others.
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Mr. Torres leads the executive search with a deep understanding of the unique needs and obligations of Native American Tribal Corporations. “With extensive experience in recruiting for these organizations, Sam is exceptionally qualified to identify and place diverse, high-caliber talent that not only drives business success but also creates lasting value for Native communities,” Cowen Partners said. “His commitment to this cause is evident in his ability to connect with leaders, curate strategic talent pools, and ensure that executive placements are perfectly aligned with both the cultural and business goals of Native American enterprises.”
Signal Financial Federal Credit Union Search
Cowen Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Kenyahda Cahoon as the new CEO of Signal Financial Federal Credit Union. He succeeded Francois Verleysen, who served as president and CEO of Signal Financial since 2014. Mr. Verleysen retired from the organization in January 2025. “On behalf of the board of directors, we welcome Ken to Signal Financial Federal Credit Union and are excited for him to take the helm,” said Andy Mekelburg, chairman of the board. “What stood out to us most was Ken’s passion and commitment to providing superior service to credit union members and local communities. Under his leadership, Signal Financial is poised for an exciting new chapter filled with innovation, growth, and an unwavering dedication to the Credit Union’s members.”
Mr. Cahoon joins Signal from Democracy Federal Credit Union where he served as CEO beginning in January 2019. He brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to Signal Financial, having previously held leadership positions at the National Institution of Health Federal Credit Union, UNIFY Financial Credit Union, and American Spirit Federal Credit Union, amongst others.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
