Lochlin Partners Recruits Executive Director for the Pentagon Memorial Fund
November 3, 2023 – Executive search firm Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Michael McCarthy as the executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. succeeding Jim Laychak. He will lead the organization as it goes to the next phase of its initiative to build a visitor education center at the site of the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. “We are thrilled to have Mike McCarthy join our team as we pursue the important mission to build a visitor education center as part of the memorial complex to respectfully and faithfully tell the full story of 9/11 to honor the men, women, and children whose lives were needlessly and tragically cut short,” said Sean T. Connaughton, board chairman and president. “It is imperative that we complete this important project to help educate future generations about 9/11 and its subsequent impact on American history going forward. I am confident Mike will continue to build on the great work already done by Jim Laychak and our team.”
Mr. McCarthy brings more than 30 years of experience leading complex projects to this new role. He previously served as under secretary for administration, as well as acting COO, at the Smithsonian Institution. Prior to that, Mr. McCarthy spent 15 years with General Electric as a global operational leader.
“It is an honor to be named executive director of the Pentagon Memorial Fund, Inc. and, in that role, take on the responsibility of helping complete work on building the visitor education center at the site of the Pentagon 9/11 memorial site,” said Mr. Laychak. “I look forward to continuing the work with Mike to make the visitor education center a reality. We must honor all the people and families impacted by 9/11. We must always remember.”
Mr. Laychak founded the Pentagon Memorial Fund in 2003, was chair of the board of directors and president of the organization for 17 years prior to becoming its first executive director, led the fundraising for and oversaw the construction, dedication, and opening of the Pentagon Memorial on September 11, 2008. The Pentagon Memorial Fund is currently raising funds to establish a visitor education center at the Pentagon Memorial site honoring the 184 lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Lochlin Partners Recruits CFO for American Chemical Society
Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Emily Kunchala as the new treasurer and CFO for the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Washington, D.C. She succeeds Albert G. Horvath, who recently moved into the CEO position. “We are very pleased that Emily has agreed to join ACS,” said Mr. Horvath. “She brings with her impressive experience in the finance area, and she understands how to effectively work in an environment aimed at supporting science and education endeavors. She is a strong, positive communicator, and I look forward to her joining our leadership team.” Ms. Kunchala joins ACS from The Research Foundation for The State University of New York, where she served as CFO and vice president of finance and administration since 2016.
Lochlin Partners conducts searches for board and executive-level positions within government and corporate affairs, government contracting, technology and services, higher education, the public sector, financial services, and healthcare. The firm is led by managing partners Liza Wright, Pat Friel, and Mike Kirkman. Each of the managing partners has been in the search business for 20 or more years and has been a partner in one of the four large international firms—and in most cases has run a major office or practice at those firms.
Recent Search
Lochlin Partners recently assisted in the recruitment of Charlotte Young as the new general counsel of the National Audubon Society. Ms. Young brings more than 35 years of experience as a practicing attorney. She has a wealth of expertise in risk assessment, non-profit governance, compliance, investigation, and management. Prior to joining Audubon, Ms. Young served as general counsel at Winrock International, a non-profit with a mission to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity and sustain natural resources.
Established in 1905, The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.
Related: Lochlin Partners Assists SOME with CEO Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media