KEES Tapped by the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency to Find New Leaders
April 4, 2024 – The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) has tapped Kistner Eddy Executive Search (KEES) as its executive search consulting partner leading the spring 2024 interim CEO search, followed by the permanent CEO search anticipated to begin in November 2024. Leading the assignment for KEES are president and CEO Heather Eddy, executive search manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and project manager Megan Taylor. LACAHSA selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. “This choice is a testament to KEES’s commitment to excellence and its ability to align with the goals of LACAHSA,” the organization said.
The interim CEO search is already underway, paving the way for a seamless transition as LACAHSA positions itself for long-term success. The subsequent CEO search slated for a November 2024 timeline, is poised to attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates committed to advancing affordable housing initiatives and making a difference in the lives of residents throughout Los Angeles County.
“I am proud to chair this effort and excited KEES was selected,” said Victor Sanchez, City of Bellflower Council Member and member of the LACAHSA board. “Working with the LACAHSA executive board, chaired by supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, we wanted a firm as innovative as we see the initiative. KEES offers a distinctive perspective and extensive expertise in housing and homelessness, and we’re eager to build on our momentum. Our team is committed to identifying candidates who will advocate for affordable housing solutions and contribute to positive community change.”
The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency was created to make housing more affordable, help people stay in their homes, and increase housing options for people experiencing homelessness.
Serving Non-Profit
KEES, based in Naperville, IL, focuses on building transformative teams and leaders in the non-profit sector. The firm was founded in 2013 as an expansion of Alford Executive Search. It is women-owned and operated, and provides a wide variety of services, including executive search, specialty and interim staffing, HR consulting, and leadership development.
Related: KEES Places Chief Development Officer for the Maryville Academy Foundation
Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES has partnered with housing-focused missions in 40 states for over 25 years. “We believe housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive,” the firm said. “From emergency housing, shelter, supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing needs, and supportive services related to housing and affordability, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics.”
KEES Recruits New Leader for Learning Bridge
KEES has recruited Bernice Mahan as the new executive director of Learning Bridge, a community-based, non-profit early education center founded in 1944. “With a balanced perspective on administration, teaching, community engagement, and policy advocacy, Bernice will undoubtedly successfully create innovative solutions and proven outcomes that will resonate with Learning Bridge’s mission and goals,” said Ms. Hong. “We are proud to have been selected as the search partner of choice for Learning Bridge and thank the entire board for their partnership. Congratulations to all on this exciting news.”
Ms. Eddy has worked with non-profits and institutions to build capacity for more than 20 years. For the past 12 years, she has focused on strengthening executives, boards, managers, and philanthropic leaders. She co-founded KEES and leads the organization’s team after serving for 17 years in multiple executive leadership roles with the Alford Group/Alford Group Executive Search, a national consulting firm that partners with non-profits and provides fundraising and organizational strategy consulting.
Ms. Hong brings nearly 20 years of non-profit experience, having held a variety of positions in performing arts and cultural organizations. Most recently serving as executive director of Kneisel Hall and before that, a vice president with the Adler Planetarium.
Ms. Taylor provides support to both client service work as well as marketing/sales for the firm. She supports team operations and ensures project timelines are moving forward. Bringing years of experience as a non-profit volunteer for Meals on Wheels and an AYSO youth soccer board member, she is skilled at database management as well as interpreting and utilizing data.
Related: KEES Recruits CEO for Youth Job Center
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
