The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
February 18, 2025 – After an extensive search and careful consideration, non-profit specialists The Moran Company has placed Christopher Thompson as the new CEO of Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE). Chief executive Martina Guilfoil, who has led the organization since 2013, is set to retire at the end of February. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “The CNE board of directors is delighted to welcome Chris Thompson as our new chief executive officer,” said Andrea Hardaway, CNE’s board chair. “His extensive experience in community and economic development, coupled with his proven track record of success in leading complex organizations, makes him an excellent fit to lead CNE into the future. We are immensely grateful to the CEO search committee and The Moran Company search firm for their commitment to this process.”
“I’m thrilled the board has selected such a highly experienced and knowledgeable leader to step into the CEO role,” said Ms. Guilfoil. “Chris brings a deep understanding of CNE’s lines of business and a strong vision for the future. I am confident that under Chris’s leadership, CNE will continue to grow its impact and make an even greater difference in the Chattanooga community.”
Mr. Thompson brings a wealth of experience in community and economic development to CNE. He currently serves as CEO of the West Central Missouri Community Action Agency and the West Central Community Development Corporation (d/b/a New Growth), both headquartered in Appleton City, Missouri. Prior to that, Mr. Thompson practiced as a commercial real estate attorney for over 15 years. He also gained valuable experience in the field of rural community economic development through a national poverty initiative and worked in the Atlanta area with partners like Emory University on various community entrepreneurship and community development efforts.
“I am truly honored to be the next CEO of this incredible organization with its rich history and strong legacy of working towards a more inclusive, prosperous, and vibrant Chattanooga,” said Mr. Thompson. “I look forward to building on the tremendous groundwork laid by Martina, the staff and the board, and to working closely with the city, community organizations, builders and developers, foundations, and residents of Chattanooga in advancing CNE’s mission of creating economically diverse neighborhoods, filled with financially empowered citizens and housing for all. I am honored to be selected as the new CEO of CNE. I am excited to work with the talented CNE team to build upon the organization’s strong foundation and make a positive impact on the communities we serve.”
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CNE invests in developing affordable and mixed-income housing on vacant or blighted lots. They empower residents to become community leaders – advocating for positive change. It’s programs promote wealth-building through homeownership, financial literacy, and small-dollar loans. By offering affordable rental options, financial counseling, and home improvement resources, CNE helps families achieve stability and financial security.
Serving Non-Profits
The Moran Company, based in Leawood, KS, specializes in searches for non-profit leadership, including executive directors, fundraising/development directors, hospital foundation directors, and other senior executives. Bill Moran founded the search firm in 1996. He has worked on more than 70 non-profit searches. He brings a rare combination to the search sector having spent 10 years as senior fundraising staff and 12 years as a successful fundraising consultant serving more than 100 clients.
Mr. English, vice president for search strategies, joined The Moran Company in 2020. He previously served as inaugural executive director of Turn the Page KC, a reading proficiency organization for third graders, for whom he still consults. Before that, he was president and CEO of the Missouri Council on Economic Education, based at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The organization promotes and conducts economic and financial education in all Missouri schools. Mr. English was also a senior analyst for the Kauffman Foundation, which aspires “to eliminate barriers so that every person – regardless of their background – can take risks, achieve success and give back to their communities.” His earliest work experience involved managing the Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project, a non-profit dedicated to promoting civic and community engagement for young professionals.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
