Los Angeles, CA (May 13, 2026) – CASA of Los Angeles proudly announces the appointment of Shakoya Green Long, MSW, ACSW, as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Shakoya Green Long is a mission-driven executive leader and seasoned social worker with more than 26 years of experience advancing outcomes for children and families. A former foster youth raised by her grandmother in Compton, she brings both lived experience and professional expertise to her work, leading with empathy, resilience, and a deep commitment to equity and systems change.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join CASA of Los Angeles, an organization that truly changes lives by ensuring every child in foster care has a voice,” said Long. “This work is deeply personal to me, and I carry both my professional experience and lived journey into this role with purpose and passion. I believe in the power of one caring adult to transform a child’s future, and I look forward to partnering with this community to expand that impact, strengthen advocacy, and ensure that every child is seen, heard, and supported.”
With Shakoya’s appointment, CASA of Los Angeles continues to strengthen its commitment to advocacy, equity, and transformational support for children in foster care. Her leadership will help expand the organization’s impact, deepen community partnerships, and advance innovative strategies that ensure children and families receive the care, stability, and support they deserve.
“We are excited to welcome Shakoya to the CASA/LA team,” said the Board of Directors of CASA of Los Angeles. “She brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to our mission along with a deep commitment to increasing our impact. We are thrilled to begin a new chapter at CASA/LA with her.”
About CASA of Los Angeles
CASA of Los Angeles (CASA/LA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth in the foster care system through the power of volunteer advocacy. CASA/LA recruits, trains, and supports Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who provide consistent one-on-one support and advocacy for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and family separation. By partnering with caregivers, social workers, attorneys, educators, and the courts, CASA/LA works to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, permanent, and nurturing environment.
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
WILMINGTON, DE – Friday, January 16, 2026 – SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is proud to announce the appointment of Amy Hee Kim as its new Chief Program Officer. Kim will guide the continued evolution and expansion of SSPI’s renowned academic programs and help scale the organization’s impact on national and global levels.
Amy Hee Kim, Ph.D., is a physical chemist turned education leader with over 15 years of experience advancing diversity in STEM. She most recently served as the Executive Director of EnCorps, an organization helping STEM professionals transition into teaching roles in under-resourced schools. Previously, she led the Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity and served as COO at Technovation, a global nonprofit empowering girls in technology and entrepreneurship across 80+ countries. Amy has also managed STEM and diversity initiatives at USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering and the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, and has built strong partnerships with corporations and foundations to expand educational access.
“We are thrilled to welcome Amy Hee Kim as our Chief Program Officer,” said CEO Frank Steslow. “Amy brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, operational leadership, and a deep commitment to expanding access to STEM. Her track record of developing impactful programs and fostering partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission, and I look forward to seeing the impact she will have as we expand our reach and continue to inspire the next generation through science."
As CPO, Kim will oversee SSPI’s flagship Summer Science Program and lead the development of new initiatives aligned with the organization’s 10-year vision. She will be responsible for program strategy, operations, evaluation, staff development, and external partnerships across multiple sites and modalities.
“I am very excited to join SSPI as the Chief Program Officer,” said Kim. “I am looking forward to developing new programs and serving more students from under-resourced communities along with the talented team at SSPI. SSPI programs are truly unique and life changing opportunities for students and I’m excited to see how we can grow our impact and help more students become passionate about science!”
About SSP International, Inc.
Founded in 1959, SSP International, Inc. (SSPI) is a nonprofit organization committed to offering transformational opportunities for students to learn, do, and belong in science. Its flagship initiative, the Summer Science Program, delivers immersive, academically rigorous research experiences for high school students that ignite curiosity and foster a lifelong passion for discovery.
For more information, visit https://ssp.org/.
Los Angeles, CA — Wednesday December 10, 2025 — A Place Called Home (APCH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Beck Flanagan as its new Director of Institutional Giving.
“We’re honored to have Beck join the Development Team at A Place Called Home,” said Josh Hertz, Chief Development Officer. “Her wealth of experience and heartfelt dedication to APCH’s mission will play a key role in strengthening and expanding our impact.”
A seasoned institutional giving professional, Flanagan brings more than seven years of experience managing multi-million-dollar public and private grant portfolios, developing comprehensive funding strategies, and advancing equity-driven missions. Most recently, she served as Grants Manager at The People Concern, where she led cross-departmental proposal development, funder stewardship, and organizational growth. She previously advanced institutional giving at Shoes That Fit, where she guided the grant-writing team to exceed its annual goals and deepen support for youth-serving programs.
“I am honored to join A Place Called Home and contribute to its mission of empowering young people in South Central Los Angeles,” said Flanagan. “I look forward to bringing my passion, expertise, and dedication to support youths’ growth, foster opportunity, and help build a community where every young person can thrive, no matter their zip code.”
Beck’s commitment to community-centered work, coupled with her strategic approach to institutional fundraising, positions her as a key leader in APCH’s continued growth. Her expertise will be instrumental as APCH deepens partnerships, expands funding streams, and invests in transformative programs for youth and families.
About A Place Called Home
Founded in 1993, A Place Called Home provides a safe, nurturing environment with proven programs in arts, education, and wellness for young people in South Central Los Angeles. APCH offers the support and resources youth need to overcome adversity, achieve academic success, develop healthy lifestyles, and become active, contributing members of their communities.
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision-making.
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - December 9, 2025 - The Board of Directors of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announces the selection of Leonard “Len” Lanzi as the Chamber’s new CEO. Lanzi replaces Genevieve Morrill who announced her resignation earlier this year in March. After 15 years of service, Morrill will remain in her role until Lanzi comes on board. “Len participated in a lengthy interview process with several long-standing and new board members who understand the Chamber’s past and can visualize the future. As a forward-looking executive, we believe Len will carry the Chamber into the future,” said Dr. Raja Sannidhi, the Chamber’s Board Chair. In addition to Sannidhi, the other members of the CEO Search Committee included Sarah Adolophson, Rod Gruendyke, Joan Henehan and Mark Lehman.
Lanzi brings more than three decades of leadership across southern California’s entrepreneurial and civic communities. He most recently served as the director of the Preccelerator Program, an initiative founded by Los Angeles law firm, Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLC. As director, Lanzi guided early-stage founders who built one of the strongest startup and investment communities in Los Angeles. He also served as the executive director of the Los Angeles Venture Association (LAVA) and has served on the board of directors, including as treasurer, of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. “It is clear that Len’s career is rooted in strengthening local economies, supporting small business and connecting innovation with community impact,” said Sarah Adolphson, who served as chair of the CEO Search Committee. In response, Lanzi replied, “I’m honored to be selected as the new CEO of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to working with the business community, elected officials and their staff and other leaders in the city.” Lanzi’s start date is January 12, 2026.
About the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1921, the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an environment where commerce can flourish. The Chamber advocates for business interests, promotes economic growth, and provides resources that support and strengthen the West Hollywood business community. Learn more at www.wehochamber.com.
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, Lexington and Los Angeles, Envision Consulting’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion iintegrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Welcomes Kevin McCloskey as Vice President of Youth Development Operations
LOS ANGELES, CA – December 8, 2025 – The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is proud to announce the appointment of Kevin McCloskey as its new Vice President of Youth Development Operations. With more than three decades of experience advancing youth, family, and community programs across Southern California, McCloskey will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the Y’s impact throughout the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the Executive Leadership Team at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles,” said Chief Program Officer Christopher Jefferson. “Not only does he bring a wealth of experience, but he is also deeply committed to the mission of the Association and our commitment to helping every youth have a positive Y experience.”
McCloskey’s career reflects an unwavering dedication to building safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for young people. He most recently served as the Director of Community-Based Programs in Youth Services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center where he oversaw Education, Youth Development, and Workforce Development programs. McClosky also played a pivotal role in producing Models of Pride, the nation’s largest free LGBTQ+ youth summit. He has served on the Coalition Advisory Committee for CADCA, the country’s largest hub for community coalitions working in prevention, and was a leader in the OUT Coalition, dedicated to preventing substance misuse and supporting LGBTQ+ youth across Los Angeles.
“I am honored to join the YMCA and contribute to its incredible mission,” said McCloskey. “I look forward to applying my skills and passion to strengthen operations, empower our youth, and create opportunities where everyone has the chance to succeed and thrive.”
About YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
The LA Y is the Center for Community Well-Being in Los Angeles, committed to building stronger communities by providing equitable programs and services to empower all. We are focused on fighting food insecurity, providing equity in education, making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of sports, ensuring kids and teens have a safe place to grow, learn and live a healthy lifestyle. The LA Y’s health and wellness initiatives offer medical and mental health resources to ensure everyone has access to basic health needs. Our mission is to provide services and resources that contribute to the well-being of our community. Visit ymcaLA.org for more information. More on Facebook or Instagram.
About Envision Consulting
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, Lexington and Los Angeles, Envision Consulting’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.