The Moran Company Selected by the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to Find New Leader
June 11, 2025 – The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has been retained by the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association (LAFRA) to lead in its search for a new executive director. Senior search consultant John Gravley is leading the assignment. The executive director is the chief administrative leader of LAFRA, responsible for strategic leadership, financial stewardship, operational oversight, and cultivating a high-performing, mission-aligned team. Reporting to the board of trustees, they will guide the organization through a period of operational refinement and cultural alignment, while ensuring exceptional delivery of services to members and their families.
The ideal candidate will bring proven non-profit or public service leadership experience, combined with transparent, high-integrity, mission-focused leadership. They will demonstrate strong financial knowledge, including investment, budgeting, and planning. Additionally, they should have experience in healthcare, benefits, or pension program administration, along with knowledge of regulatory compliance and organizational policy management.
Key responsibilities include leading strategic planning and visioning for the next chapter of LAFRA, as well as recruiting and retaining top talent, and boosting internal morale. The role also focuses on enhancing operational efficiency across departments, building alignment between the Board and staff while promoting staff advocacy, and supporting LAFRA’s financial future through investment knowledge and sustainable practices.
Founded in 1906, the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the members of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and their families. LAFRA provides comprehensive services, including medical plans, financial assistance, and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
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.
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Mr. Gravely has 20+ years of executive leadership and non-profit fundraising experience in the U.S., Asia and Guatemala. He ran a social service NGO in Hong Kong for almost eight years and led fund development programs for a graduate school, a NGO providing educational programs in Guatemala and a New York-based advocacy program. His work in Hong Kong involved merging three different services and boards into one local agency that supported the various social services and educational programs. This required navigating sensitive cultural concerns and finding a solution that would support the long-term success of the new organization. While fundraising has been a part of all of his work, Mr. Gravely has focused more specifically in this area over the past 14 years, growing and managing successful fundraising programs. He has managed capital campaigns both as staff and consultant.
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. 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.”
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.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
