Envision Consulting Seeking New Leader for Ryman Arts
February 5, 2024 – Pasadena, CA-based search firm Envision Consulting has been retained by Ryman Arts to lead in its search for a new executive director. Reporting to the board of directors, the executive director will provide leadership and strategy for the organization’s programming and services to the community. With a $1.5 million annual budget, a staff of 8 full-time employees, and 11 part-time faculty members, Ryman Arts seeks a visionary leader with a deep belief in the transformative power of the arts.
The executive director’s primary responsibilities include leading the organization’s strategy to achieve its mission, cultivating partnerships, driving program growth to reach more underserved youth, securing the necessary funding for Ryman Arts’ continued success, and implementing a dynamic vision for the future, according to Envision Consulting. The firm notes that the ideal candidate will ensure the fiscal health and structural soundness of the organization, while focusing on diversification of funding, including corporate relationships, fundraising events, and increasing major donors.
The next executive director will have expertise in partnership building, a passion for art, and a commitment to youth development. They will also have the ability to expand secure funding that will be essential to ensure that Ryman Arts can continue to transform the lives of young artists and provide them with the tools they need to flourish in the world of art and creativity.
The ideal candidate will have prior experience as an executive director, or member of the senior leadership team of a nonprofit arts or cultural organization or educational institution with an annual operating budget of $1 million or more. They should have a minimum of eight years’ experience in progressively responsible roles within senior management positions. Candidates must have demonstrated experience in the arts, whether professional or personal as well as proven fundraising success with major donors, private foundations, and institutional partnerships. Demonstrated experience with community engagement, especially in regard to creating and implementing strategic outreach, marketing, and social media is also preferred.
Related: Envision Consulting Recruits Chief Development Officer for Children’s Bureau
Ryman Arts is one of the nation’s top youth art programs, offering professional studio art instruction along with college and career guidance to artistic high school youth who are serious about a future in art—all at no cost to the student. Since 1990, the organization has impacted over 38,000 students through its core program, outreach efforts, and community activities. Ryman Arts has grown to serve approximately 550 students annually comprised of a vibrant community of culturally diverse teens from more than 190 zip codes across five counties in Southern California.
Envision Consulting was founded by Matt Kamin and Allison Fuller in 2006. Mr. Kamin, managing partner, has been working and volunteering in the non-profit world for over 18 years. He previously served as executive director of Palisades Emergency Residence Corp. in New York, Children’s Nature Institute in Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Youth Network in Hollywood. Mr. Kamin has also been a consultant to organizations serving populations ranging from disabled adults, domestic violence, children in non-public schools, and the geriatric community. He is co-founder of Youth for Charity, an organization bringing together teens of different faiths to raise awareness for families living in poverty, as well as founder of Eleventh Commandment, which has grown into JQ International.
Envision Consulting Recruits CEO for Aviva
Envision Consulting recently placed Amber Rivas as president and CEO for Aviva in Los Angeles. This follows the recent retirement of Regina Bette, who served as in the top role for 11 years. The appointment of Ms. Rivas comes after an extensive search and recruitment process led by board chair Jonathan Werner and the search committee, in conjunction with Envision Consulting. “We are very excited to welcome Amber Rivas as the next leader of Aviva,” said Mr. Werner. “Amber will carry on Aviva’s legacy of transformative programming to improve the lives of youth and families in our community. Her leadership experience, skills, and passion for serving youth and families in the Los Angeles community makes her the leader we’ve been looking for.”
Ms. Fuller, managing partner, has worked in the non-profit sector for more than a decade. Her interest in non-profits began as a volunteer, leading her to co-founding her own charitable organization. In the non-profit sector, she has held numerous staff and executive leadership positions, including executive director. As a former escrow officer, Ms. Fuller brings extensive planning and logistical experience into overseeing many aspects of management organization, contract administration, strategic planning, and operations. In addition, as a graphic designer and web marketer, she brings in unique talents to non-profits, expanding resources and efficiency while substantially increasing fundraising revenues. She also has a passion for helping youth and has worked with several major non-profit organizations, including Autism Speaks, YWCA, and Step Up Women’s Network.
Recent Search
Envision Consulting recently assisted in the recruitment of Adrian Scott Fine as the new CEO of the Los Angeles Conservancy. He succeeded Linda Dishman, who has been with the organization for over 31 years. “I’m thrilled that Adrian was chosen to lead the Conservancy into the future,” said Ms. Dishman. “He’s been an incredible partner in raising the Conservancy’s profile as a thought leader in historic preservation and a champion for more inclusive preservation that not only tells fuller histories but makes a difference in people’s lives today … and tomorrow. I can’t wait to see the organization reach new heights with Adrian as its president and CEO.”
Mr. Fine was selected by a conservancy board search committee following a long and thorough nationwide executive search by Envision Consulting. Mr. Fine entered the process with relevant management experience and qualifications, but also with considerable appreciation and understanding of historic preservation in Los Angeles County.
Related: Envision Consulting Finds New Leader for A Place Called Home
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
