TalentRise Recruits Executive Director for the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site
April 18, 2024 – Following a comprehensive, nationwide search, TalentRise recently placed Spencer Morgan as the executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. He is taking the helm as incumbent executive director Stanton H. Hudson, Jr. steps down following 30 years of service to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site. Sarah Garcia, TalentRise consultant, led the assignment. “Stanton has been a vital part of the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site for the past three decades, and we are grateful for all he has done to advance our mission and grow our impact,” said Christopher Copeland, president of the TR Site’s board of trustees. “Now, we are excited to welcome Spencer Morgan as the site’s new executive director. His passion, vision, and experience working with museums, foundations, and nonprofits make him a great fit to lead our organization into its next chapter.”
Mr. Morgan brings 15 years of experience in the non-profit cultural and higher education sectors. He was most recently director of development for the Buffalo Zoo. Mr. Morgan has also held roles with the Fredonia College Foundation at SUNY Fredonia, Villa Maria College, Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff, and the Steel Plant Museum of Western New York. Mr. Morgan is among 8,000 professionals across the globe who hold the certified fund raising executive credentials through CFRE International.
“It is truly an honor to be joining the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site as its new executive director,” said Mr. Morgan. “I’m grateful to Stanton Hudson for his leadership and share his commitment to preserving Roosevelt’s legacy and creating educational opportunities for community members here in Buffalo and beyond.”
The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, Western New York’s only National Park Service facility, preserves the Buffalo, NY, home where Theodore Roosevelt became the 26th President of the United States. Opened to the public on September 14, 1971 and managed by a volunteer board of trustees who comprise the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site Foundation, it promotes opportunities for the public to understand the historic events surrounding the inauguration, while fostering discussion about Roosevelt, his presidency, and his legacy.
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Founded in 2008 in Chicago, TalentRise provides executive search, interim executive placement, and talent consulting. The firm’s talent optimization model uses data-driven insights to align people and organizational strategies for optimum performance. TalentRise supports companies in nearly every vertical — retail, manufacturing, technology, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, E-commerce, and more — with custom and comprehensive talent acquisition solutions.
TalentRise Recruits CEO for Leadership Buffalo
Pete Petrella of TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Morgan Williams-Bryant as the new CEO of Leadership Buffalo, a non-profit leadership development program in Buffalo, NY. She replaces outgoing CEO, Althea Luehrsen, who is retiring at the end of 2023 after 12 years at the organization. “On behalf of the entire board of directors, we couldn’t be more excited for Morgan to take the helm and lead Leadership Buffalo into its next chapter,” said Trevor Torcello, board chair of Leadership Buffalo. “Morgan has been actively involved with Leadership Buffalo since participating in the program back in 2017 and has a proven track record of success in her professional and numerous volunteer roles.”
A national search for Leadership Buffalo’s next leader was launched by TalentRise in June 2023 following the announcement of Mr. Luehrsen’s retirement. The search generated interest from over 400 combined candidates, which was ultimately narrowed down to 167 formal applicants, 10 formal interviews, and five finalists. Kendra Brim, senior diversity and inclusion partner at Tesla, chaired the search committee, which also consisted of current and past members of the Leadership Buffalo board of directors.
As an accomplished executive recruiter, Ms. Garcia has placed top-tier talent across various industries—including IoT/automation, autonomous vehicles, supply chain, banking, and healthcare. She has developed a network of contacts and a deep understanding of the hiring needs of businesses, large and small.
YMCA Search
TalentRise recently assisted in the recruitment of Michelle Sawyers as the new CEO of the YWCA of Western New York (YWCA WNY). Current CEO, Jill Ann Robbins-Jabine, is retiring after nearly 10 years of service. “Michelle’s extensive experience in nonprofit operations—coupled with her leadership acumen, community involvement, and ability to build partnerships—makes her the ideal person to further YWCA WNY’s mission,” said Pete Petrella, TalentRise practice leader, who led the assignment. “We are confident that under Michelle’s leadership and guidance, the future of YWCA WNY is bright and well-focused to continue its mission and serving its community,” said Jessica Copeland, YWCA board chair. “We thank Jill for her decade of service to the organization and wish her the best in her retirement.”
In her most recent role, Ms. Sawyers served as chief program officer of the Buffalo Urban League, where she oversaw the organization’s housing services, youth education services, and community, economic, and workforce development initiatives.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
