Newland Associates Recruits CEO for Hope & Help

May 29, 2025 – Lake Mary, FL-based executive search firm Newland Associates has assisted Hope & Help with the recruitment of Thresa Giles as the new CEO of Hope & Help in Winter Park, FL. Vanessa Abreu, director of recruiting, led the assignment. “We’re honored to share these kind words from Thresa Giles, CEO of Hope & Help, about her experience working with our very own Vanessa Abreu,” the search firm said in a LinkedIn post. “At Newland Associates, we’re committed to aligning talent with purpose. It’s moments like this that remind us why we do what we do. Thank you, Thresa, for trusting us with your journey. And kudos to Vanessa for her incredible dedication and impact.”
“Thank you, Vanessa, for your exceptional dedication and expertise in finding me a CEO position that not only aligns with my professional goals but also resonates deeply with my moral compass,” said Ms. Giles. “Your unwavering support, insight, and commitment to understanding my values have been nothing short of extraordinary. I am truly grateful for your remarkable work and the difference you have made in my journey.”
“Ms. Giles’ appointment follows a comprehensive search to find the right leader to help the organization grow and expand to fulfill our mission of ending the HIV/STI epidemic and empower everyone to live healthy and stay well,” said Blake Powell, president of the board of directors.
Ms. Giles brings over 30 years of dynamic leadership experience across both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. With a track record in business operations, financial management, and organizational strategy, she is equipped to lead Hope & Help into its next phase of growth and transformative impact. Most recently, Ms. Giles served as CFO at Stand for Children, Inc., a national non-profit committed to education success and social progress, operating in seven states. Her career has included extensive work in finance, procurement, regulatory compliance, technology, and grants administration. She also brings experience in managing complex investment portfolios. Ms. Giles has received multiple honors recognizing her leadership and influence, including the Wharton Business School CFO Fellows Award, the Jacksonville Women of Influence Award, the Ultimate CFO Award, and the State of Delaware Outstanding Leader Award.
Ms. Giles’s vision for Hope & Help includes enhanced community partnerships and expanded access to care. Her strategic priorities include diversifying funding streams, investing in new technologies, and fostering team development to ensure long-term organizational sustainability and impact. “The story of Hope & Help is one of unwavering hope, remarkable resilience, and the power of community,” Ms. Giles said. “Together – with our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters – we will continue to break down barriers, save lives, and inspire healthier futures.”
“Hope & Help remains committed to its mission of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Central Florida and welcomes Thresa’s leadership with great enthusiasm and optimism for the future,” the non-profit said.
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.
Related: Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms
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.
Using Retained Search Firms for Non-Profit Leadership Recruitment
In the wake of the 2024 election, the dynamic landscape for non-profit organizations has shifted, making the need to secure and retain top-tier leadership more crucial than ever. Recruiters tell Hunt Scanlon Media that strong, effective leadership is now key to driving mission success and ensuring long-term organizational sustainability in an increasingly complex environment. A new report from J. Michael Durnil, director of executive search at Cooper Coleman LLC , and Michelle Alvis, principal owner at Alvis People Solutions, LLC, explains that internal HR functions play a critical role in organization operations and managing day-to-day human resources needs, yet the time required to navigate the complexity and high stakes of executive recruitment often benefit from an external, specialized, and laser focused approach.
“Retained search firms who specialize in the social sector and not-for-profit organizations bring a wealth of specialized knowledge, talent networks and experience to the process of search,” the report said. “Unlike general recruitment processes, retained executive search firms are adept at identifying and attracting candidates who not only possess the requisite skills and experience but also align with the unique culture and values of non-profit organizations, including ones that might not be in the hunt for their next position. This alignment is crucial for leadership roles where the impact of a mismatch can be particularly detrimental to a mission driven organization operating with limited resources of capacity, capital, and time.”
To read this full report click here!
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media