McDermott & Bull Finds CEO for Goodwill Industries of Orange County
November 30, 2018 – Irvine, CA-based search firm McDermott & Bull has placed Nicole Suydam as the new president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Orange County. The search was conducted by managing partner Chris Bull, along with partner Jeff Black and senior recruiting associate Brian Selvey.
“Nicole Suydam is the ideal candidate to lead Goodwill of Orange County into their next stage of growth,” said Mr. Bull. “Her past experience with the organization, coupled with the outstanding results she and her team have realized at Second Harvest Food Bank, puts her in a great position to create quick traction at Goodwill.”
“When the largest non-profit (by revenue) in Orange County is adding a new CEO, the outcome is extremely important to the entire community, especially for those who Goodwill serves so well,” said Mr. Black. “Nicole Suydam is the perfect leader to take Goodwill into the future. We are so proud to have helped make this possible.”
Since 2012, Ms. Suydam has served as CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Last year, she oversaw the distribution of more than 25 million meals to families and individuals as she guided a vast network of more than 200 community partners who collectively distribute food to those in need and work toward ending hunger in Orange County. Under her leadership, Second Harvest this year earned Charity Navigator’s highest rating for fiscal responsibility and effectiveness for the first time. Prior to her tenure at Second Harvest, Ms. Suydam served as vice president of development at Goodwill of Orange County.
“Having previously worked at Goodwill of Orange County, I have a deep appreciation for and understanding of the critical work the organization is doing to change and enhance the lives of thousands of individuals facing barriers in Orange County,” Ms. Suydam said. “I’m thrilled to return to the organization in this capacity with new insight and experience under my belt. I look forward to working with the leadership team and board of directors to establish Goodwill’s vision for the future and make a positive impact on our community.”
McDermott & Bull Finds CEO for UCP of Orange County
McDermott & Bull placed Ramin Baschshi as president and CEO of UCP of Orange County. UCP of Orange County provides comprehensive services to more than 5,300 children and families affected by developmental disabilities including autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and developmental delay.
Since 1924, Goodwill of Orange County has worked to help people who face barriers find and keep meaningful employment. Founded on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to achieve the independence in which employment provides, Goodwill is most recognized for its donated-goods thrift stores. Goodwill of Orange County, which marked its 94th year of service in 2018, has supported hundreds of thousands of Orange County residents by creating and providing quality training and employment services to empower its program participants.
Growing Search Firm
McDermott & Bull, founded in 2001, is now the 29th largest executive search firm in the Americas, where it serves clients in the technology, financial services, manufacturing, biotech & life sciences, retail and professional services sectors. Since the advent of MB Interim Leaders in 2011, McDermott & Bull has served both the permanent and interim needs of its clients.
Mr. Bull is a co-founder of the firm. In addition to leading a team of executive search consultants, he has built his own executive search practice catering to a variety of clients, including Experian, First American Financial, Fluidmaster, Kelley Blue Book, SC Fuels, Thomas James Capital Homes, Trojan Battery, Union Bank and Vizio, among others.
Mr. Black leads the firm’s fit practice. He and his team seek to enrich organizations where they serve and focus on helping companies realize “an ideal fit between executive talent and the company’s culture and values.” His clients include: Honda Center/Anaheim Ducks, Panda Restaurant Group, Oakwood Worldwide, Decurion/ArcLight Cinemas, BJ’s Restaurants, Del Taco, LA BioMed, Niagara Bottling, Santa Monica Seafood, Orange County United Way, Rubio’s Restaurants, King’s Hawaiian and Golden State Foods.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media