Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc.

It's always great to see our work highlighted on Hunt Scanlon Media! 🎉 Thanks to the team there for featuring our recent placement of Kathy Tisone as the Saint Louis Zoo's next CFO. Read more about how Kathy's experience and passion aligned with the Zoo's needs at

Shelli Herman and Associates Recruits CFO for Saint Louis Zoo - Hunt Scanlon Media Following a nationwide search, Los Angeles-based Shelli Herman and Associates has recruited Kathy Tisone as the new CFO of the Saint Louis Zoo. She will replace Cassandra J. Brown Ray who retires this month after a successful 32 years at the Zoo. Providing direction, mentorship, and support to this....

Kiewit Luminarium seeks a Chief Executive Officer to leverage this next-generation science center’s platform, ignite a passion for STEM, advance opportunities for all, and further position Omaha as a city that catalyzes and supports its citizens’ success. Providing an aspirational, strategic vision grounded in operational understanding, the CEO ensures organizational excellence and financial sustainability, leading the Luminarium team to continued and even more significant mission impact while representing the leading edge of best practices, innovation, and collaboration. Learn more at:

shellihermansearch.com/Kiewit-Luminarium-CEO

Wishing everyone a safe and restful holiday!

We are thrilled to announce that Kathy Tisone will join CEO Dwight Scott and the Louis Zoo team as the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

With over 25 years of nonprofit financial leadership, Kathy is currently CFO and Vice President of Operations at St. Louis Arc, Inc., an organization serving more than 4,500 St. Louisians with developmental disabilities. Kathy will begin contributing to the Zoo's continued success on September 30th.

Read more at https://stlzoo.org/news/tisone-named-saint-louis-zoo-chief-financial-officer.

My passion is helping organizations build high-performing leadership teams. I specialize in executive-level searches, identifying top talent through careful processes. I advocate for succession planning and developing internal talent to strengthen organizations and retain high-performing team members.

Hiring promising candidates at more junior levels and investing in their growth pays off! Every organization and role has different requirements, but certain qualities are always important. Here are five key traits I look for in employees at every level to hire the right people for a future-ready team:

Congratulations to our client, the Santa Barbara Zoo and Richard Block, for opening the Richard Block Conservation Hub!

This innovative new space offers interactive, immersive, and fun learning experiences that inspire people of all ages to take conservation action. Named in honor of Rich Block, whose leadership has advanced the Zoo and strengthened the community's commitment to wildlife preservation, it is a fitting tribute and just one of the ways the Zoo is working to engage us all in saving our planet!

Finding the best-qualified candidates for open positions is vital, and various recruiting and executive search options are available. When hiring at the most senior level, identifying top talent with the right expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to achieving organizational goals is crucial. Retained executive search firms like Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc. are essential partners during these critical moments.

Executive search firms, distinguished by their strong process and lasting relationships developed with clients and candidates, offer a level of expertise that is unmatched. Their extensive networks and deep industry knowledge provide invaluable access to top talent, making them a trusted partner in the hiring process.

For those considering outsourcing executive hiring and seeking to understand how executive search firms differ from professional recruiters, this read by Hunt Scanlon Media offers valuable insights: https://huntscanlon.com/selecting-between-an-executive-search-firm-or-recruiter/

Selecting Between An Executive Search Firm or Recruiter - Hunt Scanlon Media In today’s competitive business landscape, making the right executive hire can be crucial to the success and growth of your organization. Often, businesses struggle to find the perfect candidate who possesses the required expertise, cultural fit, and leadership abilities, according to a recent rep...

The competition for senior talent in the nonprofit sector has increased after the pandemic, with many leaders changing roles, retiring, or seeking new opportunities. This trend is expected to continue for another year or two. There is a high demand for innovative and transformational leaders, especially at the CEO level, which has made searches more complex. Consequently, how are nonprofits finding these innovative and transformational leaders?

Read “Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms,” featuring insights from Nat Schiffer, CEO of The Christopher Group (TCG); Maeve Clifford, managing partner and co-founder of Pearl Street Collective; Michelle Kristel, managing partner of McCormack+Kristel; and Molly Brennan, global managing partner of the nonprofit and social impact practice at Diversified Search Group, along with my own, at huntscanlon.com/non-profits-seek-new-kinds-of-leaders-with-help-from-search-firms-2/.

Finding exceptional nonprofit leadership is vital to ensuring that mission-driven organizations continue to thrive and serve those who need them most. Thank you, Hunt Scanlon Media, for including our firm in your annual roundup of the 65 most prominent executive search firms serving the nonprofit sector.

Congratulations to our Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants colleagues that have also been recognized in this roundup: Aspen Leadership Group, BoardWalk Consulting, Bryant Group, Campbell & Company, Carlson Beck, Cook Silverman Search, Cooper Coleman, DHR Global, Envision Consulting, Kittleman & Associates, Lindauer, McCormack+Kristel, The Moran Company, and Noetic Search. It’s a privilege to work alongside such a distinguished group of professionals who share our passion for advancing the nonprofit sector.

https://huntscanlon.com/non-profit-top-65/

Executive search in the non-profit sector mirrors broader hiring trends, focusing on leadership, strategic vision, and organizational impact. Non-profits need resilient leaders who can navigate crises, maintain stability, and deliver on their missions. Post-pandemic, there is fierce competition for talented individuals, especially at the CEO level. Private sector professionals are increasingly drawn to non-profit roles for their sense of purpose and fulfillment.

While this shift creates more opportunities, it also introduces new challenges. Read the 2024 Hunt Scanlon Media Non-Profit Executive Recruiting Special Issue, "Non-Profits Seek New Kinds of Leaders with Help from Search Firms," to gain more insights on the shifting dynamics of non-profit search from Shelli Herman and other industry experts.

huntscanlon.com/category/executive-search-review/

We value our clients and their dedication to impacting communities. This eloquent article by Modern Farmer showcases the outstanding efforts of the team Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and Claudia Bonilla Keller and their innovative approach to tackling food insecurity.

At their 40-acre Harvest Solutions Farm in Irvine, fresh produce is grown specifically for distribution to Second Harvest’s partners, such as a school pantry. Since its inception in August 2021, the farm has produced over five million pounds of nutritious food for the local community.

Read more at: https://modernfarmer.com/2024/07/spotlight-on-the-community-fridge-and-pantry-growing-its-own-produce/.

Shelli Herman and Associates, Inc. is proud to have helped President Susan R. Wente join the Board of Directors at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. We are confident Dr. Wente’s contributions will support the Foundation's work, fostering innovation and driving scientific breakthroughs.

Extending our gratitude to the Beckman Foundation Board of Directors and Anne Hultgren for trusting our firm with this critical assignment.

I’ve always been fascinated by how changing seasons can prompt personal transformations. With long hours of daylight, summer is the peak of vitality and energy, and I think we should all make this season a time of intentional growth.

To thrive and maximize the season's potential, let’s immerse ourselves in enriching literature, eat wholesome seasonal foods, and spend time with people who inspire us. Let's align each choice with our vision for the future, using the summer's momentum to propel us forward!

We were proud to partner with Rhode Island School of Design, President Crystal Williams, and an engaged and dedicated search committee in their search for a Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.

Sofiya Cabalquinto became RISD's new Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at the beginning of the month. Her leadership will be pivotal in shaping the strategic direction of RISD’s communications and public engagement as she helps RISD share and celebrate its community's stories and work.

Thanks to RISD and President Williams for the opportunity to serve as your executive search partner. We appreciate your confidence and look forward to seeing Sofiya's impact.

In her first year as Chief Community Engagement Officer at Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, Catherine Schneider has been instrumental in advancing the organization's mission. Catherine's leadership has strengthened the fantastic JFS team as the agency achieved remarkable milestones this past year. We look forward to celebrating many more successes in the years to come!

Thank you, JFSLA and Eli Veitzer, for trusting us with the search that placed Catherine at such an impactful organization. And thank you, Catherine, for your unwavering commitment and dedication to the community!

We were proud to partner with Rhode Island School of Design, President Crystal Williams and an engaged and dedicated search committee in their search for a Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.

Now in her second week as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Sofiya Cabalquinto is helping shape the strategic direction of RISD’s communications and public engagement, amplifying the creative voices that make up their community.

Thanks to RISD and President Williams for trusting us as your executive search partner. We appreciate your confidence and look forward to discovering more about Sofiya's impact.

Congratulations to President Susan R. Wente of Wake Forest University on her appointment to the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Board of Directors! As a 1996 Beckman Young Investigator Program award recipient, she brings firsthand knowledge of the Foundation's impact. Our firm was privileged to facilitate this full-circle connection between Dr. Wente and the Beckman Foundation.

Read more at https://www.beckman-foundation.org/latest-news/susan-wente/.

Happy Independence Day! 🎆

Megan Longo officially joined Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium on Monday, June 24th. She will lead the development, implementation, and refinement of mission-aligned strategies to further enhance guest experience and foster brand loyalty. Thank you to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and Dr. Luis R. Padilla, for your trust. Serving as the Zoo's executive search partner is a privilege.

https://www.omahazoo.com/inthenews/posts/zoo-announces-svp-of-guest-experience-brand-and-revenue

The path to equity is arduous and often met with resistance, but it is undeniably the right one. Discover our latest piece, "The Foundation of a Just and Resilient Society," which discusses the importance of diverse workplaces and strategies for effectively championing organizational efforts in today's political climate.

https://www.shellihermansearch.com/post/the-foundation-of-a-just-and-resilient-society

Happy first week to our placement, Megan Longo, who joined Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium as Senior Vice President of Guest Experience, Brand & Revenue!

Megan, we can't wait to see what you, President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Luis Padilla, and the team accomplish together as the Zoo continues to inspire and engage guests and advance conservation on a global scale!

As Juneteenth approaches, it's crucial to seize the opportunity to reflect on progress, address current challenges, and explore avenues to create a just future together. Though bridging ideological divides may seem tricky, three strategic steps can pave the way.

Read more at https://www.shellihermansearch.com/post/the-foundation-of-a-just-and-resilient-society.

Reading bridges divides by allowing us to see the world through others' eyes, fostering empathy and understanding. It connects diverse perspectives, creating common ground. This Pride, celebrate, learn, and connect with Barnes & Noble's LGBTQIA+ reading list at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/b/celebrating-pride/_/N-2sh8.

Reminder: Be You, Every Day

Each day offers a new opportunity to express your authentic self in your interactions. Doing so fosters genuine connections, builds trust, and inspires others to be more themselves. Embrace who you are, celebrate your individuality, and let your true self be the driving force behind your actions. Your authenticity is your superpower, and you are at your most powerful and impactful when you are unapologetically yourself.

In honor of Pride Month, I’m resharing this classic article by Shelli Herman and Associates' Director of Search Operations, Margot Garber, on identifying organizations that genuinely value and support the LGBTQ+ community. Understanding the importance of workplaces that honor employees’ authentic selves, this piece offers practical steps for job seekers to evaluate an organization's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

https://www.shellihermansearch.com/post/a-roadmap-for-lgbtq-professionals-to-find-their-perfect-workplace-fit

We are thrilled to join President Crystal Williams in welcoming Sofiya Cabalquinto Guttman as Rhode Island School of Design’s next Chief Marketing & Communications Officer.

Congratulations, Sofiya! We are excited for you to join this impactful creative community and help amplify RISD voices. Read more at https://www.risd.edu/about/leadership/about-crystal-williams/community-announcements -section--61581

Happy Pride Month ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Congratulations to our client, placement, and friend, Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation Executive Director Anne Hultgren, PhD, for being acknowledged by the Orange County Business Journal as a woman leading in STEM! It has been a privilege to witness your outstanding contributions and continued achievement at the Beckman Foundation. This recognition is well deserved!

https://www.ocbj.com/custom-content/women-in-stem-2024/

Women in STEM 2024 - Orange County Business Journal These 42 women exemplify the diverse opportunities and significant impact that women can have in STEM fields within Orange County.