United Friends of the Children (UFC), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit offering comprehensive education and housing programming that help foster and former foster youth, is proud to announce the appointment of Matt Strieker as their incoming Executive Director.
“On behalf of the Board, we are delighted to have Matt come in as our next Executive Director,” said Robert Daly Jr., Board Chair. “His experience and passion for our mission and programs will take UFC to new heights and usher in our 40th year as an organization.”
Mr. Strieker is a high-achieving leader with extensive experience bolstering organizations through strategic progress. As the Executive Director of Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice, he significantly raised the profile of the organization while refocusing its mission and increasing revenue. His comprehensive leadership and fundraising experience as well as legal background make him an outstanding advocate for the organization.
“It is such a privilege to partner with the Board and staff of United Friends of the Children in the midst of celebrating 40 years serving Los Angeles’ foster children,” said Mr. Strieker. “I am excited and humbled to join an organization with such a powerful reputation as a leader in the youth sector and grateful for the opportunity to build upon the well-respected programming offered.”
UFC entered its search seeking a strategic executive to lead the Board and staff into a transformational 40th year. The organization has an esteemed legacy of serving Los Angeles’ most vulnerable population, encouraging and enabling foster youth to become independent, productive members of society through their education and housing programs. Their innovative programs boast incredible outcomes; 93% of their education scholars program participants graduate high school while 73% go on to attain bachelor’s degrees.
The UFC Board and staff want to acknowledge the commitment and passion the former President + CEO, Dr. Kara Allen Soldati, brought to the organization during her tenure. “I’m forever grateful for the staff and partners who have championed our evolution as an organization, and I look forward to cheering on United Friends’ next chapter under Matt’s vision and leadership,” Dr. Kara Allen Soldati shared.
The Board and community are ecstatic to welcome Mr. Strieker and look forward to continuing the exciting trajectory of the organization. Mr. Strieker will be introduced at UFC’s annual Brass Ring fundraising event to be held May 28th, 2019 at the Beverly Hilton.
Pacific School of Religion (PSR), a Berkeley-based progressive, multidenominational seminary and center for social justice committed to preparing theologically and spiritually rooted leaders, is thrilled to announce Betty Lee as their incoming Associate Director of Human Resources and Accounting Operations. Ms. Lee will be overseeing payroll and supervising the Accounting and HR Associate.
“Upon learning of PSR’s 2020 priority to achieve financial equilibrium while broadening its program access to under-represented individuals and communities, I felt assured the culture of PSR would be a great fit,” said Ms. Lee.
Ms. Lee has countlessly demonstrated her effectiveness as a leader in the nonprofit industry with a reputation for improving organizational accounting guidelines, policies and procedures as well as managing a donor database and developing fundraising plans. Her experience in managing tax documents and meeting tax compliance as a consultant for multiple industries, providing tax technical training and mentoring staff of various support levels is unparalleled.
Envision Consulting (Envision), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit consulting firm that has worked with organizations across Southern and Northern California, was retained to conduct the search. Within 45 days, Envision sourced and interviewed more than 60 candidates for the position and selected finalists to meet with the search committee.
“PSR already has a departmental structure to support its strategic financial goals and I’m excited to know that Betty will be the person build on that momentum,” Partner Matt Kamin said.
See more of Envision Consulting's nonprofit executive search successful placements.
On November 1 and December 6, Principal Suzanne Elliott will lead a two-part series, “Kickstart Your Strategic Planning Process,” where she will discuss how to structure and execute a meaningful planning process to nonprofit executive leaders and board members. The workshop is hosted by California Lutheran University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Click here for more information.
Suzanne Elliott, Principal at Envision Consulting, will present at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara/Ventura Counties Chapters’ Symposium, “The New Normal in Effective Fundraising,” on June 12, 2018. In Suzanne’s session, “Finding Career Growth in your Current Job,” she will highlight ways development professionals can advance in their careers without job-hopping. Register to attend the symposium here.
MERCI, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit offering services to the developmentally disabled population, is proud to welcome Jillian Van Leuven as their incoming Executive Director replacing long-time leader Marta Escañuelas. Ms. Escañuelas retired in January after serving the organization for more than 24 years growing its impact and providing life changing programs for clients.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jillian into the MERCI family,” said Ms. Escañuelas. “With Jillian’s breadth of experience working with the developmentally disabled communities, we know she will take MERCI to new heights.”
Ms. Van Leuven has vast experience working in the nonprofit sector with a proven track record of facilitating progressive organizational change, mentoring and developing staff to move up the ranks and creating long-range fiscal forecasts and financial plans. Her passion for MERCI’s mission and clients is unparalleled. She has years of experience working directly with the developmentally disabled community, providing behavior support plans, family support and one-on-one meetings, and working with a team to develop and implement goals and objectives to improve services.
“Marta is such an influential leader in the sector and she is leaving me with big shoes to fill,” said Ms. Van Leuven. “I’m eager to learn all the ins and outs of the organization to grow it and serve even more of the community.”
Ms. Van Leuven obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and her Master’s in Nonprofit Management and Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Envision Consulting (Envision), a Pasadena-based nonprofit consulting firm, was retained to conduct the search. Within 45 days, Envision sourced and interviewed more than 60 candidates for the position and selected finalists to meet with the search committee.
“Jillian is a great asset to MERCI. She has an in depth understanding of the population MERCI serves and believes in teamwork to make the transition seamless,” Partner Matt Kamin said. “Marta has left an impressive long lasting legacy not only with MERCI, but throughout the community. We were honored to be part of this transition and entrusted with this critical role.”
See more of Envision Consulting's nonprofit executive search successful placements.