The Food Research & Action Center Taps BoardWalk Consulting to Find New Leader
December 16, 2024 – Executive recruitment firm BoardWalk Consulting was recently selected by The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) to lead in its search for a new president. The organization in April announced that its president, Luis Guardia, has stepped down. Senior director Crystal Stephens is leading the assignment. FRAC seeks a president experienced in leading antihunger efforts and knowledgeable of federal nutrition programs to lead its work to the next level of impact. The president will ensure that anti-hunger policies and programs continue to advance nationwide and remain a high priority with the next administration.
The next president of FRAC will have an evidenced commitment to anti-hunger and anti-poverty programs and policies, and in-depth knowledge of federal nutrition programs, BoardWalk Consulting explains. The leader will provide leadership and vision provide thought leadership on issues most vital to ending hunger in the United States. They will anticipate trends and opportunities, initiating and leading catalytic change to drive anti-hunger policies and programs for those most in need. FRAC is hoping this new leader will bring to life key hunger challenges at the local level and link them to national policy.
The ideal candidate is a respected organizational leader with relevant scope and scale, deep connections on Capital Hill, and extensive experience driving anti-hunger programs and policies. BoardWalk Consulting is looking for an exceptional fundraiser with a track record of success as well as a thought leader and visionary in the hunger space with the ability to set a vision and rally others around it. Those applying must bring an understanding of the entire food system- access, insecurity, and root causes of hunger. They must have knowledge of federal nutrition programs and state initiatives with existing relationships in Congress and with the USDA.
Candidates should also have experience driving equity and inclusion both internally and externally. An understanding of and respect for the people served by anti-hunger programs. Experience leading leaders, managing others in an organization of similar size, and working within a union environment is essential. Strong people management skills and the demonstrated ability to develop and inspire a high-powered team in a collaborative manner is also desired as well as experience working with and leveraging a non-profit board.
The Food Research & Action Center is on a mission to end hunger in America. For over 50 years, it has worked to reduce poverty-related hunger in the U.S. through research, advocacy, and policy solutions. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
BoardWalk Consulting, based in Atlanta, is a national executive search firm that recruits CEOs and senior leadership for mission-driven non-profit organizations. Founded in 2002, the firm leads executive searches for clients from across the non-profit sector with global, national, regional, and local missions. Many of the firm’s team members have previously served as non-profit executives, grant makers, and board leaders. BoardWalk Consulting is also an active partner in Panorama, the global network of independent executive search firms.
BoardWalk Consulting was founded by Sam Pettway, a 30-year search veteran. Over his career in executive search, he has worked with hundreds of board members and leadership teams with entities ranging from start-ups to mature multinationals in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Since founding BoardWalk in 2002, Mr. Pettway has served clients as varied as international relief agencies, national foundations, regional trade associations, and local agencies in dozens of markets.
Related: BoardWalk Consulting Leading CEO Search for Adapt Integrated Health Care
Ms. Stephens joined BoardWalk in 2012 after extensive experience working with top-tier organizations in sales, marketing, and recruiting. She spent most of her corporate career with IBM in senior sales and marketing positions. As executive vice president at Monster.com, she managed a global sales team. Ms. Stephens has led mission-critical searches for clients such as Year Up, Communities in Schools, and the Anti-Defamation League.
Recent Work
Ms. Stephens, along with senior associate Diane Westmore of BoardWalk Consulting recently assisted in the recruitment of Carrie Besnette Hauser as the new president and CEO of Trust for Public Land (TPL). She succeeded Diane Regas. In January, TPL board of directors commenced a national search for the organization’s next president and CEO. Supported by Boardwalk Consulting, the selection of Dr. Hauser was recommended by a transition committee of current and former TPL board members to the full national board, which voted unanimously to name Dr. Hauser the next president and CEO.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Carrie as our next president and CEO,” said Lucas St. Clair, chair of TPL’s board of directors. “Her passion for the outdoors, commitment to equitable access to nature, and extensive community leadership will propel TPL’s mission and team forward. Carrie understands the profound impact that access to the outdoors can have on individuals and communities, and her leadership will help us bring these benefits to even more people across the country.”
Related: BoardWalk Consulting Assists Dare to Care Food Bank in the Recruitment of New CEO
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
