Washington, D.C. – October 9, 2025 — Envision Consulting is proud to share that Allison Fuller, Co-Founder & Managing Partner and Los Angeles Business Journal M&A Dealmaker of the Year Nominee, led a thought-provoking workshop at the Prosperity Now Summit 2025 in Washington, D.C.
Her session, “Stronger Together: Partnerships Beyond Mergers & Acquisitions,” explored how nonprofits can build sustainable collaborations, strengthen their missions, and navigate mergers and partnerships with confidence. Drawing from Envision Consulting’s deep experience in nonprofit strategy and M&A advisory, Allison offered practical insights on aligning culture, mission, and operations to achieve long-term impact.
“We’re seeing more nonprofits recognize that strategic partnerships can be powerful pathways to scale and sustainability,” said Fuller. “Whether through mergers, shared services, or alliances, moving from competition to collaboration can help organizations go from short-term survival to long-term collective strength.”
The Prosperity Now Summit gathered leaders from across the country committed to advancing economic opportunity and equity. Envision Consulting is honored to contribute to these vital conversations about the future of the nonprofit sector.
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.
New Horizons Welcomes Melissa Puls as Chief Development Officer
North Hills, CA (October 8, 2025) – New Horizons proudly announces the appointment of Melissa Puls as its new Chief Development Officer.
Melissa Puls is a nonprofit executive with deep expertise in fundraising, strategic leadership, and team development. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California, where she supported a $20 million fundraising program across ten sites. Known for her strategic mindset and collaborative approach, Melissa is passionate about building partnerships that expand access to essential resources for children, families, and individuals.
"I am honored and deeply committed to supporting New Horizons' mission to empower every individual with intellectual or developmental disabilities to succeed and thrive," Melissa said. "The leadership team’s clear vision to serve their clients at the deepest level possible is inspirational, and I am excited to contribute to its continued growth and impact. I look forward to joining this talented team and applying my nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience to help expand access to the resources and opportunities that make a meaningful difference for the individuals New Horizons serves."
With Melissa’s appointment, New Horizons continues to strengthen its mission-driven development programs that ensure inclusion, access, and opportunity. Her leadership will help advance the organization’s growth, build philanthropic partnerships, and expand fundraising programs that transform lives.
"We are thrilled to welcome Melissa Puls as New Horizons’ new Chief Development Officer," said CEO John Brauer. "Melissa brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, along with a strong reputation for turning vision into action. Her proven track record of building partnerships and delivering results will be a HUGE asset as New Horizons continues its mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. We would also like to extend a special thanks to Envision for connecting us with such a wonderful candidate and member of our senior leadership team!"
About New Horizons
Founded in 1954, New Horizons is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their dreams, build independence, and thrive as fully included members of the community. Through employment services, residential programs, training, and advocacy, New Horizons provides critical resources and opportunities that improve quality of life for hundreds of individuals and their families each year. The organization’s mission is to create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can reach their full potential.
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.
Los Angeles, CA – The Writers Guild Foundation (WGF) is proud to announce the appointment of Julie Lacouture as its new Executive Director. Lacouture brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership and fundraising expertise to WGF, along with a deep commitment to advancing the voices of writers and preserving their craft.
Lacouture most recently served as Interim Executive Director of the Griffith Observatory Foundation, where she successfully guided the organization through a leadership transition and positioned it for long-term growth. She also held leadership roles at DonorsChoose, where she expanded donor engagement and built innovative philanthropic partnerships that fueled educational opportunities for teachers and students nationwide. Lacouture holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and certifications in donor psychology.
Known for her collaborative leadership style, Lacouture has been praised for her ability to inspire teams and translate bold goals into lasting impact.
“I’ve always been inspired by how writers collaborate and support each other, especially in hard times,” said Lacouture. “That spirit of generosity and shared purpose is the most exciting part about joining this community. I look forward to working with the Board and staff to support writers, grow our programs, and help pave the way for new voices and generations of creatives.”
Since its founding in 1966, the Writers Guild Foundation has served as Hollywood’s premier resource for writers and fans alike. Through the renowned Shavelson-Webb Library and Archives, educational programs, and initiatives supporting veterans and underrepresented storytellers, WGF preserves screenwriting’s history while inspiring its future.
For more information about the Writers Guild Foundation and its programs, visit https://www.wgfoundation.org/. Julie Lacouture was chosen as the next Executive Director after an extensive search led by The Writers Guild Foundation and facilitated by Envision Consulting. For more information about Ms. Lacouture’s appointment or The Writers Guild Foundation, please contact Melissa Montoya, Director of Search Services at 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.
Santa Monica, CA – August 28, 2025 – Meals on Wheels West is proud to announce the appointment of Kaylee Hawkins as its new Executive Director. Hawkins, a seasoned nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience driving community-based programs, brings a strong record of strategic growth, fundraising, and coalition-building to the organization.
Hawkins previously served as Director of the Pacific Region for Best Friends Animal Society, where she spearheaded statewide initiatives, secured transformational funding — including a $50 million grant to improve lifesaving in California’s animal shelters — and built coalitions that improved outcomes for underserved communities. Most recently, she led urgent care expansion efforts at VCA Animal Hospitals, developing outreach strategies that strengthened local partnerships and improved access to care.
Hawkins succeeds Chris Baca, who has been at the helm of Meals on Wheels West since 2014. During his tenure, Chris has not only built strong relationships with several local and national organizations but also produced a 249% growth and expanded the service area to include Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Venice, and Marina del Rey. The Board expresses its deep gratitude to Baca for his years of service and stewardship and wishes him a rewarding and fulfilling retirement.
“Kaylee is a dynamic leader whose career reflects both vision and compassion,” said Leonard Lanzi, Chair of the Meals on Wheels West Board of Directors. “Her experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and cross-sector partnerships will be invaluable as we expand our mission of delivering not just meals, but independence, dignity, and human connection to our homebound neighbors.”
As Executive Director, Hawkins will lead Meals on Wheels West in advancing its mission to provide vital nutrition, social connection, and support services to homebound individuals across Santa Monica and the Westside.
“I’m honored to join Meals on Wheels West and serve the community I call home,” said Hawkins. “This organization is a lifeline for so many, and I’m excited to work alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters to grow our impact and ensure every neighbor feels nourished and seen.”
About Meals on Wheels West
Meals on Wheels West is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, health, and independence of homebound neighbors by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services. Serving Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Topanga, and Venice, Meals on Wheels West empowers individuals to live independently with dignity in their own homes.
YMCA Metro Los Angeles Welcomes John Horn as VP of People, Culture and Development
Los Angeles, CA (August 7, 2025) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles proudly announces the appointment of John Horn as the new VP of People, Culture and Development.
John Horn is an accomplished human resources and nonprofit executive with nearly three decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations. Most recently, he served as Chief Impact & People Officer at LA Family Housing, one of Los Angeles’ largest homeless services providers. During his tenure, John led major initiatives to expand workforce engagement, develop diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, and implement the organization’s first total rewards system, positively impacting hundreds of employees. He has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, built high-performing teams, and championed employee wellness and professional development throughout his career.
"I'm thrilled to join the Y Team and help be a part of the work that has uplifted communities for nearly 145 years across the Los Angeles Region,” John said. “This association is so successful because of the team who makes it happen, and I'm honored to now be in that group."
With Horn’s appointment, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles continues to strengthen its commitment to nurturing a positive employee culture, supporting professional growth, and sustaining the organization’s legacy of impactful community service.
"Team members are what make the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles so special – it's how we connect with our communities,” said Nevin Stanton-Trehan, Chief People Officer. “We are thrilled to have John Horn join our team to help our team continue to be the best they can be.”
About YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access and opportunities for all generations through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. As the Center for Community Well-being, the Y provides programs and services that support people at every stage of life. From early childhood education to senior wellness programs, from swim lessons to mental health support, the Y is a place where everyone belongs. With a network of centers across Los Angeles, the Y connects individuals to resources, relationships, and opportunities that transform lives and strengthen neighborhoods. For more information, visit ymcala.org or follow on social media @ymcala.
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.