Newland Associates Recruits CEO for Episcopal Children’s Services
January 16, 2024 – Lake Mary, FL-based executive search firm Newland Associates has recruited Natalya Bannister Roby as the new CEO of Episcopal Children’s Services (ECS) in Jacksonville, FL. The assignment was led by director of recruitment, Vanessa Abreu. “Newland Associates did a great job sourcing candidates for us with narrow requirements in a difficult labor environment,” said Wiley Ammons, chair of the CEO search committee. “We were pleased not only with the qualifications, but with the broad spectrum of candidates presented to us. This gave us a breadth of choices for our organization’s future.”
“I have extended a warm welcome to Dr. Bannister Roby on behalf of the board of trustees,” said Thabata Ford, board president. “Her leadership will undoubtedly guide us to new heights, and we look forward to achieving great success in the years to come.”
“We are delighted to have Dr. Bannister Roby join the ECS team,” said Mr. Ammons. “Her enthusiasm, mission mindset, and heartled leadership will be a gift for our students, parents, and staff alike.”
Dr. Bannister Roby brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a proven track record of transforming organizations through her purpose-driven culture efforts. With a career of servant leadership, she has held key leadership positions at organizations in North and Central Florida. Her experience includes working with Boys & Girls Club where she garnered national attention for her award-winning programs and most recently at the PACE Center for Girls’ national office, leading center operations throughout Florida. Throughout her career, Dr. Bannister Roby has navigated challenges while driving growth, innovation and championing inclusion and belonging.
In her new position with Episcopal Children’s Services, Dr. Bannister Roby will be responsible for overseeing the strategic vision of the organization and day-today operations. She will be working closely with the existing leadership team and the board of trustees to build on the strengths and opportunities in this next chapter for the organization.
“I am honored to lead Episcopal Children’s Services as we embark on this exciting next chapter,” Dr. Bannister Roby said. “Building upon Connie Stophel’s strong foundation, our commitment to children achieving their full potential remains our top priority. I am eager to collaborate with the entire team at ECS to craft innovative strategies addressing the unique challenges of children and families who need us most.”
“I approach this work with my whole heart. It is a calling,” said Dr. Bannister Roby. “Throughout my professional journey, I have witnessed the importance of early childhood education and prevention as crucial elements in fostering stronger and healthier communities. Together, we can secure a brighter future for children and families across Florida.”
Related: What Talent Acquisition Trends Will Dominate 2024?
Offering early childhood education and holistic family services, Episcopal Children’s Services provides school readiness, head start, and early head start programs to more than 27,000 children and their families in 14 counties in Florida, including Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Dixie, Duval, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties.
Proven Search Consultants
Newland Associates specializes in executive search and talent management solutions. The firm places over 50 executives annually, with a notable presence in the healthcare and non-profit sectors. Newland Associates’ talent management division offers a range of services including executive coaching, assessment, change management, and leader development. With a team of nearly 20 seasoned professionals, the firm serves clients across the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
Predicting 2024’s Talent Acquisition Trends
No individual can see the future clearly. But when we blend the expert views of global talent leaders with comprehensive data, it becomes clearer. It’s this powerful combination of insights that fuels Korn Ferry’s annual talent acquisition trends report. Each year the search firm, which is the largest globally as ranked by Hunt Scanlon Media, lays out recruitment trends and talent trends you will be seeing in the coming year and offers advice on how to stay ahead of them. “In 2024, it’s your skills that count,” the Korn Ferry report said. “It’s a big win for diversity, equity and inclusion. And widening the talent pool will bring big advantages to organizations. With so many skills gaps to close, we expect businesses to focus on the skills they need to bring on and develop now.”
Robert Newland founded Newland Associates in 1991, and over the years he has been involved in many local, national and international projects, including C-suite executive search, talent management and leadership development across a broad set of industries.
Ms. Abreu, an HR consultant and career coach, has experience that extends to education, healthcare, information technology, talent acquisition and management consulting. She has over 18 years of progressive HR experience.
Related: Predicting 2024’s Talent Acquisition Trends
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
