Koya Partners Recruits CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
December 1, 2020 – Following a rigorous, national search in partnership with Koya Partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America has named Artis Stevens, chief marketing officer of National 4-H Council, as its new president and CEO. He becomes the organization’s first black leader. Alison Ranney and Chartise Clark led the assignment.
Mr. Stevens succeeds Pam Iorio, who announced early this year that she would be stepping down after six years in the role. “With the selection of Artis Stevens as the next CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, I see a very bright future for our mission,” said Ms. Iorio. “Artis brings a wealth of non-profit experience, a passion for helping young people, and an open and authentic style that fosters respect and trust.”
“Artis is a charismatic, visionary leader whose contributions to transforming the 4-H brand and advancing the field of positive youth development have been extraordinary,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “I am thrilled that Artis will continue his commitment to young people in this new role and I am confident his leadership will have a tremendous positive impact on BBBSA and America’s youth.”
Mr. Stevens brings 25 years of leadership in the positive youth development sector. With a diverse background in bridging innovative marketing, fundraising and program strategies, he has generated awareness and revenue to drive greater impact for youth, families and communities in need. His passion for building purpose-driven brands and cultivating boards and talent has inspired partnerships with more than 60 of the most well-known brands in the country.
Before joining 4-H, Mr. Stevens served as national vice president, marketing, strategy and operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. During Mr. Stevens’ tenure at National 4-H Council and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, his ability to reimagine organizations and marketing and fundraising streams has contributed to more than $100 million raised, $150 million in media and has transformed local engagement across the two national youth organizations.
“One of the most important parts of my life has been the opportunity to lead purpose-driven work and empowering young people to be the change they want to see in the world,” said Mr. Stevens. “I’ve grown up in youth development and know first-hand the life-changing impact mentorship can have on one’s life and I have dedicated my career to bringing these types of experiences to all young people.”
Related: Koya Leadership Partners Recruits Chief Diversity Officer for Susquehanna University
Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the U.S. The mission of the organization is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters has 236 local agencies serving more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states.
Non-Profit Recruiters
Boston-based Koya Partners is a national executive search and human capital consulting firm that works exclusively with mission-driven organizations, institutions of higher education and social enterprises. This year, the firm was again recognized by Hunt Scanlon Media as one of the top 50 search firms in the Americas. Last year, Koya was acquired by Diversified Search. With the combination of revenues and resources, Diversified Search and Koya now represent one of the largest non-profit and higher education practices in the executive search industry.
Koya Leadership Partners Recruits First Black Woman CEO for Museum of Science and Industry
Chevy Humphrey joins one of the largest science museums in the world. A national and international leader in the museum field, she comes to Chicago from the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix. Her “effective, proven leadership skills” make her the right leader for Museum of Science and Industry, says the search committee chair.
As managing director of Koya Leadership Partners, Ms. Ranney partners with a broad range of clients, including foundations, cultural institutions, membership organizations, other non-profits, colleges and universities. She has successfully led searches at the CEO, president, executive director, dean, COO, CFO and VP levels as well as board members.
Ms. Ranney’s clients include the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Obama Foundation, the Art Institute of Chicago, the United Way and the American Red Cross. She also has deep expertise in higher education having led searches for the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, Harvard University, Stanford University, Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania, among others.
As VP of executive search, Ms. Clark partners with a variety of mission-driven clients nationally and globally to recruit exceptional talent. She also specializes in helping clients navigate complex issues related to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. Ms. Clark has played a leading role in identifying and recruiting leaders to CEO, president, executive director, and other senior leadership positions for a broad range of clients. She has experience in human and social services, youth development, advocacy, and organizations with a global presence. Representative clients include the Southern Poverty Law Center, Feeding America, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, RefuSHE, StriveTogether and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Related: Koya Leadership Partners Tapped to Find Chief Talent and Equity Officer for Children’s Law Center
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; and Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
