The Moran Company Recruits Executive Director for National Assistance League
March 20, 2026 – The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, recently placed Judy Zulfiqar as the new executive director of National Assistance League. Senior search consultant Mike English led the assignment. “After a comprehensive national search, we are thrilled to welcome Judy to National Assistance League,” said Andrea Goodman, board chair. “Her track record of revitalizing organizations, combined with her deep understanding of volunteer engagement and community impact, makes her the ideal leader to guide us into our next century of service. We are confident in her ability to strengthen our network of 95 chapters and position the organization for long-term growth and sustainability.”
Ms. Zulfiqar brings more than 20 years of strategic leadership experience, including proven success in nonprofit organizational turnarounds, financial sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. She served as chief strategist at Watermark Associates from 2015 to 2026, advising clients across diverse industries. In this role, Ms. Zulfiqar provided strategic leadership in business planning, marketing, and organizational development while managing cross-functional teams and creating compelling fundraising initiatives that collectively raised millions of dollars for nonprofit clients and events.
Ms. Zulfiqar also served as executive director of Outdoor Adventures by Boojum, where she led the organization’s complete recovery from a two-year COVID-19 shutdown. As immediate past district governor for Rotary District 5330, she led 60 clubs and 1,848 members across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
“I am honored to join National Assistance League at this pivotal moment in its history,” said Ms. Zulfiqar. “The organization’s 100-year legacy of compassionate community service, powered by dedicated volunteers, is remarkable. Together, we will strengthen this organization to serve communities for the next 100 years.”
National Assistance League is a national non-profit volunteer organization founded in 1919 with the mission to “engage and empower volunteers to strengthen our communities.” With 95 local chapters and over 17,000 volunteers across the United States, the Assistance League empowers members to identify and address the unique emotional and physical needs of children and adults in their specific communities through various philanthropic programs.
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.
Related: The Moran Company Assists National Ski Patrol with CEO Search
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.
Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise Search
After an extensive search and careful consideration, The Moran Company recently 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.
“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.”
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.
Related: The Moran Company Recruits New Leader for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
