Pasadena, CA–After searching the cosmos for the right candidate, The Planetary Society recently announced that Jim Suh has been named as their new Chief Financial Officer. Suh brings to The Planetary Society over 20 years of finance and business administration experience in both the nonprofit and private sectors. He most recently worked in nonprofit as Controller for the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation, and prior to that he was the Director of Operations and Finance for Education Through Music –Los Angeles.
“I’m honored to work for The Planetary Society,” said Suh, “and I am passionate about using my multi-faced background and broad skillset to serve this community.”
Founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Louis Friedman and Bruce Murray, and helmed today by famed science educator, Bill Nye, The Planetary Society aims to empower the world’scitizens to advance space and science exploration.
Chief Operating Officer of The Planetary Society, Jennifer Vaughn, said, “We are thrilled to have Jim join our team at The Planetary Society. His leadership and diverse business skills, coupled with his admirable integrity, make him exactly the candidate we were looking and hoping for when we began the search for a new CFO.”
The appointment of Suh comes after an extensive search and recruitment process led by Envision Consulting--a nonprofit consulting firm based in Los Angeles, specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration and executive leadership transitions. Envision’s commitment to DEI is integrated into its practices, including inclusive surveys and stakeholder interviews,focus groups, structured hiring processes, a focus on anti-biased decision making and more. In 2021, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color.
Los Angeles, CA – Child & Family Center has announced that Nikki Buckstead has been selected as its new CEO, effective November 14. The nonprofit provides comprehensive prevention, early intervention, diagnostic evaluation and behavior therapeutic services, outpatient drug and alcohol treatment and domestic violence services for children, adolescents and adults in the Santa Clarita, Antelope and San Fernando Valleys.
Buckstead has over 30 years of experience in social services and 20 years in nonprofit leadership. She most recently helmed the Family Solutions Collaborative of Orange County. Her extensive experience in the fields of mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness aligns with her passion for advocacy and working to reduce stigma and build collaboration.
Board Chair Dr. Marc Winger commented, “Our Board of Directors and its search committee worked diligently for over a year to identify someone who possesses the passion for those we serve. We are confident that we found someone who will work closely with the board and staff as we continue fulfilling our mission of changing lives, healing relationships, and helping people thrive. On behalf of our Board, I thank Dr. Joan Aschoff for her leadership over the past eight years, and wish her the best for her retirement.”
“Child & Family Center is a wonderful mission driven organization and it has been my great pleasure to have had the opportunity to serve as its CEO for the past eight years,” said Aschoff. “It was important to take the time to find the right leader with the skills and heart to continue the mission and move the agency forward. We have found that leader in Nikki.”
The appointment of Buckstead comes after an extensive search and recruitment process led by Dr. Winger and the search committee, in conjunction with Envision Consulting--a consulting firm with offices in Los Angeles, Denver, and New York, specializing in nonprofit executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration and executive leadership transitions. Envision’s commitment to DEI is integrated into its practices, including inclusive surveys and stakeholder interviews, focus groups, structured hiring processes, a focus on anti-biased decision making and more. In 2021, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color.
Los Angeles, CA–A Place Called Home(APCH), a nonprofit that provides a safe, nurturing environment and a variety of programs for young people in South Central Los Angeles, recently announced that Norayma Cabot has been selected as their new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 26th, 2022. Cabot has over 18 years of experience driving successful organizations with expertise in strategic initiatives, achieving organizational growth, and working with vulnerable communities. She most recently led the Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice through the pandemic.
The daughter of immigrants, Cabot is passionate about supporting underserved communities and protecting families’ rights, regardless of socioeconomic status. “I am thrilled and honored to be stepping into the role of CEO at A Place Called Home,” shared Norayma. “Throughout my career, my work has focused on ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities forvulnerable communities, and I am truly inspired by the mission of APCH, as my own life story shares similarities with those served by the organization."
Open since 1993, the dynamic, multi-service youth and community center has been serving youth ages eight to mid-twenties and their families through education and arts programs, mental health counseling, mentorship, job readiness, college scholarships, civic engagement, and more.
Outgoing CEO, Jonathan Zeichner, who served as the head of APCH for the past 13 years, said, “I am extremely pleased that we found someone so wonderful to helm our organization. Norayma is passionate and dedicated with the expertise it takes to lead APCH into its 4thdecade. I have so enjoyed getting to know her, and it is an honor to pass her the torch and give her my blessing.”
The appointment of Cabot comes after an extensive search and recruitment process led by APCH Board Chair, Gareth Schweitzer, and the search committee, in conjunction with Envision Consulting--a nonprofit consulting firm with offices in Los Angeles, Denver and New York, specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration and executive leadership transitions. Envision’s commitment to DEI is integrated into its practices, including inclusive surveys and stakeholder interviews, focus groups, structured hiring processes, a focus on anti-biased decision making and more. In 2021, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color.
Los Angeles, CA – Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo, Ed.D., has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), one of the largest nonprofits in California, providing social services to over 125,000 people per year across seven counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Kern, and Monterey.
MAOF’s previous President and CEO, Martin Castro, recently retired after 21 years in the role. His leadership helped transform MAOF, making it one of the most responsive and best-performing organizations serving California’s diverse communities. Castro is committed to working with MAOF leadership to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.
Pinedo begins his new role at MAOF on April 18, 2022. A respected executive and educator with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit, government, academic, business, and religious organizations, advocating and serving under-resourced communities, Pinedo was most recently the CEO of the Children’s Fund, which served children experiencing poverty, abuse, and neglect. He previously served as the President of the Hope Through Housing Foundation, the COO of the National Community Renaissance, and Associate Superintendent of Business Services and Economic Development for Chaffey Community College.
“MAOF’s programs uplift the whole family, serving everyone from infants to seniors. We are thrilled to have Cid Pinedo at the helm, not only for the breadth of experience and perspective he brings, but also because he embodies the values, heritage, and history of MAOF,” said Board Chair, Anita Quiñonez Gabrielian. “On behalf of the Board and the 875 dedicated employees of MAOF, we are grateful for the incredible legacy that Martin Castro has left and look forward to welcoming Cid as our new CEO.”
The organization’s leadership also acknowledges the strength, dedication and commitment of the senior team throughout this leadership transition and extends a special thanks to newly promoted Chief Operating Officer, Vicky Santos and Orlando Sayson, Chief Financial Officer.
Pinedo is an active and well-known volunteer and advocate for the community. He currently serves on the boards of the Los Angeles County Fair Association Corporation, the Riverside Art Museum - Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and History, and the Luminarias Mental Health Services Institute. He is also a Commissioner for the San Bernardino County Housing Authority and a member of the Funders Alliance of San Bernardino.
“As the son of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, I feel it is my personal obligation to provide access and support to anyone who lacks the resources to actualize their future story,” Pinedo said. “As CEO of MAOF, I am very honored to work with the board, staff and all levels of the community to effectuate transformational change for families in California.”
Pinedo holds a BA in Philosophy from St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Management from the University of La Verne and was bestowed an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Union Institute & University.
The appointment of Pinedo follows a thorough recruitment process overseen by MAOF in partnership with Envision Consulting—a nonprofit consulting firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York, specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration and executive leadership transitions.
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About the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation:
The Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) is a non-profit, state-wide community-based organization that was established in 1963 by Founder Dionicio Morales to serve disadvantaged individuals and families in the Los Angeles area. MAOF is one of the largest family services organizations in the United States and has achieved this status by providing high quality social services and programs to diverse communities where the need is the greatest. It currently operates in seven California counties with over 60 service locations and 875 employees. The annual budget exceeds $160,000,000. MAOF Website; http://www.maof.org/
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Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF)
Los Ángeles, California: Ciriaco “Cid” Pinedo, Ed.D., ha sido nombrado el Director Ejecutivo de la fundación Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF), una de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro más grandes en California, que provee servicios sociales a más de 125.000 personas al año a través de siete condados, incluyendo Los Ángeles, San Bernardino, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Kern y Monterey.
El Presidente y Director Ejecutivo de la organización MAOF, Martin Castro, recientemente anunció su jubilación después de dirigir a la organización por 21 años. Su liderazgo ayudó a transformar la organización MAOF, haciéndola una de las organizaciones más conscientes y mejor desempeñadas atendiendo a las comunidades más diversas de California.
El Doctor Pinedo comenzará el 18 de abril del 2022. El Doctor Pinedo es un ejecutivo respetado y educador con más de 20 años de experiencia en organizaciones sin fines de lucro, gubernamentales, académicas, de negocio y religiosas. Ha abogado y atendido a comunidades con recursos limitados. El Doctor Pinedo recientemente fue el Director Ejecutivo de la organización Children's Fund y previamente atendió como Presidente de la fundación Hope Through Housing Foundation y Director de Operaciones para National Community Renaissance, Superintendente Auxiliar de Servicios de Empresa y Desarrollo Económico para el colegio comunitario Chaffey Community College.
“Los programas de MAOF elevan a la familia entera, atendiendo a todos desde la infancia hasta las personas de la tercera edad. Estamos entusiasmados al tener a Cid Pinedo al mando, no sólo por su extensa experiencia y perspectivas, sino también porque representa los valores, herencia e historia de MAOF”, dijo Anita Quiñonez Gabrielian, presidenta de la junta directiva. “En nombre del consejo y de los 875 empleados de MAOF, estamos agradecidos por el increíble patrimonio que Martin Castro ha dejado y esperamos la bienvenida de Cid como nuestro nuevo Presidente y Director Ejecutivo.
El liderazgo de la organización también reconoció la capacidad, la dedicación y el compromiso del equipo ejecutivo a través de la transición de este liderazgo y extiende un agradecimiento especial a nuestra recién promovida Directora Ejecutiva Operativa, Vicky Santos y Orlando Sayson, Director Ejecutivo de Finanzas.
Pinedo es un voluntario activo y reconocido y activista para la comunidad. Actualmente ejerce en los consejos de la asociación de Los Angeles County Fair Association Corporation, el museo Riverside Art Museum - Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and History, el instituto para servicios de salud mental, Luminarias Mental Health Services. Además es comisario para el sector de vivienda del condado de San Bernardino, San Bernardino County Housing Authority, y es un miembro de la alianza Funders Alliance of San Bernardino.
“Como hijo de inmigrantes mexicanos y un graduado universitario de primera generación, siento que es mi deber proveer acceso y apoyo a cualquier persona que no tenga recursos para realizar su historia futura'', dijo Pinedo. “Como Director Ejecutivo de MAOF, tengo el honor de trabajar con el consejo, personal y con todos los niveles de la comunidad para efectuar un cambio transformacional para las familias de California”.
Pinedo tiene su licenciatura en Filosofía de la universidad St John’s Seminary College en Camarillo, un doctorado en Liderazgo Organizativo y administrador de la universidad University of La Verne y fue otorgado un doctorado honorario en Cartas Humanitarias de la universidad Union Institute & University.
Al nombrar a Pinedo, se realizó un proceso completo de reclutamiento supervisado por MAOF en colaboración con la compañía Envision Consulting – una empresa de consultoría sin fines de lucro con oficinas en Los Ángeles y Nueva York, que se especializa en búsquedas ejecutivas, estrategias organizativas, exploración de integración y transiciones de liderazgo ejecutivo.
Sobre la fundación Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF):
La fundación Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) es una organización comunitaria sin fines de lucro, en todo el estado, que se estableció en 1963 por el fundador Dionicio Morales con el fin de servir a las personas y familias desfavorecidas en el área de Los Ángeles. La fundación es una de las organizaciones más grandes de servicios familiares en los Estados Unidos, y ha logrado este estatus al proporcionar servicios sociales y programas de alta calidad a comunidades diversas en necesidad. MAOF proporciona múltiples servicios a través de 60 sitios y 875 empleados en siete condados de California. MAOF tiene un presupuesto anual de más de $160 millones. MAOF sitio web: http://www.maof.org
Los Angeles, CA – The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) announced today that longtime local arts leader Stacy Lieberman has been appointed its next president and CEO, effective June 6, 2022. Lieberman is currently deputy director at The Broad and will become the Foundation’s fourth president in 30 years. After an early career in book publishing, Stacy has held senior positions in the dynamic and evolving fields of arts, education, and culture in Los Angeles for more than 20 years, including at the Skirball Cultural Center, California State University, Northridge, and the Autry Museum of the American West.
“We are thrilled to have Stacy as our next leader and know the Library Foundation of Los Angeles will benefit enormously from the significant experience Stacy brings from other vital Los Angeles-based institutions,” said LFLA Board Chair Debra Albin-Riley. “As the Foundation embarks on this exciting new chapter, Stacy, our board, and our dedicated LFLA staff are committed to effectively partnering with the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) to further our purpose of using the power of libraries to best serve and engage our city’s diverse communities.”
As president and CEO, Lieberman will be responsible for the overall management, leadership, and strategy of the LFLA, which supports and enriches the LAPL through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs that promote greater awareness of the city’s 73 libraries.
“I am excited to welcome and work with Stacy Lieberman, who will be an exceptional leader for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles,” said City Librarian John F. Szabo. “I am inspired by Stacy’s commitment to and enthusiasm for the LAPL’s mission, and I believe her genuine affection for our libraries will shape her approach to securing resources to help LAPL deliver high-impact services to Angelenos. With her deep focus on inclusion and the importance of sharing stories, I am confident that Stacy will be a champion for the work we are doing on some of the most critical issues facing our city.”
Lieberman is known as a collaborative leader who excels at setting and achieving strategic priorities, building awareness and support, and increasing visitor engagement and access. “I am honored to lead the Foundation as its next president and CEO and eager to work with the board, staff, and the Los Angeles Public Library to strengthen the organization’s crucial work enhancing the lives of all city residents, helping them realize their dreams and potential,” said Lieberman. “In this age of disinformation, book bans, growing inequities, and digital divides, the Foundation’s mission to support LAPL’s services is more urgent than ever.”
In her current role at The Broad in downtown L.A., Lieberman leads day-to-day operations and oversees external affairs for the popular contemporary art museum. There, she has guided the institution through its start-up years and many successful new initiatives, including its award-winning Diversity Apprenticeship Program. Prior to joining The Broad, she was executive vice president and deputy director at the Autry, where she steered the implementation of a visitor centered strategic plan; helped launch an $80 million comprehensive campaign; and earned an LA Area Emmy Award as co-executive producer of the documentary Tending the Wild, about Indigenous California and the environment.
Lieberman received a bachelor’s degree cum laude in English and French from Tufts University and a master’s degree in English from Wayne State University. She serves on the board of Los Angeles’ Downtown Center Business Improvement District, the Cultural Diplomacy Leadership Council of the Meridian Center for Cultural Diplomacy, and the development committee at IKAR, among others.
Lieberman will succeed former Foundation President Ken Brecher, who retired after an 11-year tenure in September 2021. Her appointment completes the establishment of a new executive team for the Foundation within the past two years, with Lieberman as president and CEO, Melanie Burzynski as senior vice president, advancement and external affairs, and Shawn Rubin as CFO. Current Interim President Julie Tugend will continue leading the organization until Lieberman begins. The search was handled by Envision Consulting, LLC.
About the Library Foundation of Los Angeles
For 30 years, the Library Foundation of Los Angeles has partnered with the Los Angeles Public Library in its effort to provide all 3.8 million Angelenos with equitable access to thousands of free programs, resources, and services. Through fundraising, advocacy, and innovative programs, the Library Foundation strengthens the library's commitment to educate and empower every individual in our city’s diverse communities. At the Foundation, we are committed to keeping the library thriving for generations to come and to providing all Angelenos with the tools to enrich and improve their lives. For more information, please visit lfla.org.
About the Los Angeles Public Library
A recipient of the nation’s highest honor for library service—the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, collection of more than 6 million books, state-of-the-art technology accessible at lapl.org, and more than 18,000 public programs a year provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning.