Lindauer Recruits President and CEO for Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs
March 5, 2026 – Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Patrick Tutwiler as president and CEO of Walker Therapeutic & Educational Programs in Needham, MA. The search was led by Lindauer senior vice president Bob Giannino and vice president Maureen Huminik. He becomes only the fifth CEO in Walker’s 65-year history of serving children, youth, and families across Massachusetts. “At Walker, our mission is deeply personal,” said Dan Relihan, chair of Walker’s board of directors. “In Dr. Tutwiler, we have found a leader who shares an unwavering commitment to the families and children we serve as well as the dedicated staff who deliver our critical services every day. His experience across education, public service, and philanthropy uniquely positions him to support our community and lead Walker into its next chapter. We are honored to welcome him.”
Dr. Tutwiler joins Walker following his service as secretary of education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. As secretary, he directed the executive office of education, overseeing early education, K–12, and higher education. He served on the governing boards of the Commonwealth’s education agencies and the University of Massachusetts system and acted as Governor Maura Healey’s senior advisor on education policy.
Prior to this, Dr. Tutwiler served as a senior program officer at the Barr Foundation, where he focused on education grantmaking and systems-level improvement. Earlier in his career, he served as superintendent of Lynn Public Schools, leading district-wide efforts that resulted in higher graduation rates, expanded early college programming, and a more diverse educator workforce. He previously held school leadership roles in Boston and suburban districts and began his career as a public high school history teacher.
As president and CEO, Dr. Tutiler will lead Walker’s strategic direction, strengthen its operational foundation, and expand the organization’s reach and influence. His background positions him well to guide Walker’s continued growth, elevate its voice in statewide and regional systems, and support the dedicated staff delivering high-quality care every day.
“I am honored to join Walker and to work alongside staff, families, and partners committed to supporting children and youth with complex needs,” said Dr. Tutwiler. “Walker’s mission, depth of expertise, and long-standing partnerships across education and behavioral health systems position the organization to continue strengthening outcomes for children and families across Massachusetts.”
Related: Lindauer Recruits Chief People Officer for Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
Founded in 1961, Walker has grown into a recognized leader in therapeutic and educational services for children and youth with complex behavioral health, emotional, and learning needs. Walker operates therapeutic day schools in Needham and Watertown; residential programming; in-home and community-based behavioral health services; and a professional development and consultation division supporting schools and human service organizations across the Commonwealth.
Experienced Search Firm
Lindauer serves higher and secondary education, hospitals, academic research centers, think tanks, research facilities, and foundations, as well as advocacy, public service, social justice and other mission-driven non-profits. The firm has led searches for The Aspen Institute, Auburn University, Franklin & Marshall College, Brown University, Bryn Mawr College, Princeton University, MIT Sloan, Dickinson College, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Columbia University, University of Illinois, Room to Read and Educate Girls, among others.
Deb Taft leads Lindauer with over 25 years of executive and senior-level experience across the non-profit sector, from education to healthcare/academic medicine to the youth service and voluntary sectors. Her expertise includes governance, strategic planning, fundraising, program and staff management, strategic marketing, analytics, and constituent engagement, as well as talent recruitment, retention, and development.
Lindauer Assists Destination Imagination with CEO Search
Lindauer has assisted in the recruitment of Mark Giordono as the new CEO of Destination Imagination, Inc. in Blackwood, NJ. She succeeds Michele Tuck-Ponder, who served as CEO for eight years. The assignment was led by Megan Abbett, assistant vice president, and vice president and managing director Maureen Huminik. “Mark understands the power of creativity in learning, leadership, and problem-solving,” said Chuck Good, chair of the Destination Imagination board of trustees. “He brings a rare combination of strategic insight and genuine respect for how people learn and grow. We are confident he will help Destination Imagination continue to expand its impact while staying true to the values and mission that make this organization special.”
Mr. Giannino is senior vice president and co-leader of the firm’s advocacy, policy, and social enterprise practice. With decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, he has had a transformational impact in advancing opportunity, access, and equity. Mr. Giannino joined Lindauer in July 2024 from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, where he has provided the leadership and strategic direction that drives the organization toward creating greater opportunity, access, and equity for all in Eastern Massachusetts. “Bob has made a transformative difference at the highest levels of non-profit leadership by identifying opportunities for impact, making bold plans, and bringing people together to find common cause for the common good,” said Ms. Taft.
Ms. Huminik co-leads Lindauer’s healthcare and academic medicine practice and its advocacy, policy, and social enterprise practice. Her healthcare clients include City of Hope, Cleveland Clinic, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, Moffitt Cancer Center, and University of Tennessee Health Science Center, while her work in higher education includes Arizona State University, Binghamton University, DePauw University, New York University, and University of Massachusetts. Ms. Huminik has also worked with organizations and missions as diverse as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Catholic Charities, JDRF, YMCA, and YWCA.
Related: Lindauer Recruits Dean of Music for the Boston Conservatory at Berklee
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
