AbilityFirst  announces Dr. Sergio Rizzo-Fontanesi as its next president and chief executive officer, effective June 3. Rizzo-Fontanesi will build on his predecessor’s enduring impact, advancing the organization’s vision, mission, and legacy of fostering an inclusive community that focuses on a person-centered approach, ensuring that all participants reach their full potential. 

“From our first conversation with Sergio, the board was impressed by his profound empathy, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of our values. I knew immediately that he was the person we should hire as CEO,” said Kathryn Sanders Platnick, board chair of AbilityFirst. “As a 98-year-old organization, it’s important that we bring on someone to lead who can honor our legacy while also continuing to innovate and elevate AbilityFirst to the next level, so we can make an even greater impact on the population we serve. I have no doubt that Sergio is the right person for this task.”

Following a national search led by Envision Consulting, which attracted more than 300 highly qualified applicants, Rizzo-Fontanesi emerged as the ideal candidate. Having worked as a licensed clinical social worker, a researcher and executive in the nonprofit sector, Rizzo-Fontanesi comes with innovative perspectives, a breadth of knowledge, and robust management experience. He has expertise in program design, planning, and evaluation, having analyzed the program effectiveness of numerous community-based organizations. Formerly the executive director and CEO of Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles, Rizzo-Fontanesi has worked at the intersections of substance use and mental health treatment, reentry and supportive housing services, and education and workforce development. 

“As a person-centered organization, AbilityFirst places the needs of its constituency first and foremost. It is this guiding philosophy that connects everyone in the organization,” said Rizzo-Fontanesi, explaining why the mission resonates with him. 

While Rizzo-Fontanesi does not have someone in his immediate family who has a developmental disability, he shared that when his sister was 13 years old, she sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury and corresponding paralysis. “While she ultimately regained considerable mobility, as a result of this experience, I witnessed firsthand how having a disability affects not only the individual but the family unit as well. Individuals who have disabilities are often seen for their disability and unseen for their gifts and potential,” he continued. “I am excited to lead and be part of an organization whose focus is on capabilities and possibilities, and I am committed to challenging the stigma and barriers that impede individuals with disabilities from achieving their full potential.”

Founded in 1926 as a response to children with polio, AbilityFirst continues to evolve to meet the need of people with developmental disabilities. “AbilityFirst was built on the ethos of possibility and that resonates with all of us,” said Rizzo-Fontanesi. “We all want to achieve what's possible and reach our full potential. This is what we aspire for ourselves, our children, 

and the future of the world. This is the fundamental core of AbilityFirst’s programs and services.”

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University, Rizzo-Fontanesi also has a doctorate and a master in social welfare from the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles.

In collaboration with key stakeholders, Rizzo-Fontanesi has his sights on developing a strategic plan for the organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Guiding its next five to 10 years, the strategic plan will define what success looks like, measure program effectiveness, enhance program adaptability to meet the current needs of its diverse participants, and secure additional funding streams while strengthening brand reputation.

Ensuring a stable and seamless transition, Rizzo-Fontanesi is committed to honoring AbilityFirst’s legacy while steering the organization toward a future with fresh insights, new opportunities, and measured growth. There will be a leadership overlap with interim CEO Julie Tugend to guarantee the successful transition. 

To learn more about AbilityFirst, visit abilityfirst.org.

It is with great excitement that Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity, a leading national organization supporting women and scientists of color in the STEM field, announces the appointment of Rochelle L. Williams, PhD as its new Executive Director. Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience and expertise in STEM education and diversity advocacy to her new role, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the STEM fields.

In her capacity as Executive Director, Dr. Williams will lead the organization's strategic initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups in graduate STEM education. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD), ensuring its continued impact in empowering diverse talent across the STEM landscape.

Dr. Williams's extensive background in program management, strategic partnerships, and advocacy positions her as a visionary leader, scientist, and engineer poised to drive positive change within the organization and beyond. She holds a BS in Physics from Spelman College, a MEng in Mechanical Engineering plus a PhD in Science and Mathematics Education from Southern University and A&M College. This training in the sciences as well as her proven track record of success and dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in her professional work makes her the ideal candidate to lead Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity into its next phase of growth and impact.

"We are thrilled to welcome Rochelle Williams as our new Executive Director," said former Executive Director and Board chair James Powell. "Her experience with advancing diversity in STEM, along with her strategic leadership skills and passion for mentorship, will be instrumental in advancing our mission and driving meaningful change within the STEM community.”

With Dr. Williams at the helm, the organization is poised to make significant strides in promoting diversity and empowering future generations of STEM leaders.

Dr. Rochelle Williams was chosen as the next Executive Director after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the GFSD’s search committee and facilitated by Envision Consulting. For more information about Dr. Williams's appointment or Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity, please contact Melissa Montoya, the Director of Search Services at Envision Consulting.

It is with great excitement that Ryman Arts, one of the nation’s top youth art programs, offering professional studio art instruction along with college and career guidance to artistic high school youth, announces the appointment of Audrey T. Salzburg as its new Executive Director. Ms. Salzburg brings a keen focus on human capital development and mentorship and excels in fund development and strategic planning for optimal organizational growth. Her passion for the arts aligns seamlessly with her advocacy for under-resourced youth in the creative industry.

In her capacity as Executive Director, Ms. Salzburg will lead the organization's strategic initiatives aimed at expanding programming and increasing community engagement. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Ryman Arts, ensuring its continued impact in transforming lives of young artists through rigorous education in fundamental art skills and mentoring.

Ms. Salzburg’s leadership style is reflected in the long tenure of staff and board members she has worked with, showcasing her ability to inspire loyalty and dedication. She holds a Bachelor of Science from The City College of New York: Brooklyn College, Magna Cum Laude. The arts, as a means to tell stories, change perspectives, and help connect the community is her passion and makes her the ideal candidate to lead Ryman Arts into its next phase of growth and impact. “Ryman Arts instructs students in a craft, something that is disappearing in so many industries.

Arts practices give young people the tools and a foundation to move forward in life even in other areas of academia. It teaches them discipline, collaboration, problem-solving, and hard work. Bringing the Ryman Arts program to youth who really need this help right now, especially in under-resourced communities, is deeply important to me. It is an honor and a privilege to participate in this journey with Ryman Arts and take an active role in supporting the furthering of their important mission”, said Audrey Salzburg.

"We are thrilled to welcome Audrey Salzburg as our new Executive Director", said Board Chair David Price. "She is a charismatic and visionary leader, uniquely positioned to build and foster strong, meaningful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders in our region’s creative economy who value and support art education for rising creative talent.”

With Audrey Salzburg at the helm, the organization is poised to achieve its mission, cultivating partnerships, driving program growth to reach more underserved youth, securing the necessary funding for Ryman Arts' continued success, and implementing a dynamic vision for the future.

Audrey Salzburg was chosen as the next Executive Director after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the Ryman Arts search committee and facilitated by Envision Consulting. For more information about Ms. Salzburg’s appointment or Ryman Arts, please contact Melissa Montoya, the Director of Search Services at Envision Consulting.

Bel-Air, Los Angeles, April 11, 2024 – The Bel-Air Association proudly announces the appointment of Jonathan Brand as its new Executive Director, effective April 15th, 2024.

Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in urban planning and development to his new role. He holds a Master's degree in Planning from the University of Southern California (USC) and has served in various key roles within the City of Los Angeles, including Chief of Land Use Planning and Chief Planning Deputy.

In his new role, Jonathan will collaborate closely with the Bel-Air Association's board of directors, stakeholders, and the community to spearhead initiatives aimed at preserving and improving the quality of life in the Bel-Air neighborhood, while addressing various city issues that affect the community.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the Bel-Air Association as Executive Director. Together, we'll make a positive impact and ensure the continued prosperity of this esteemed community," says Jonathan.

"We are excited to have Jonathan join us in this important leadership position. His experience in both the public and private sector gives him an excellent perspective of the issues our community faces and how to effectively deal with them,' stated Jamie Meyer, President of the Bel-Air Association."

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Jonathan as he assumes his new role with the Bel-Air Association.

The Bel-Air Association, founded in 1942, is a community organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in the Bel-Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. The association works to address issues such as public safety, land use, and community development.

Note: 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.