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Search Success! Tom Janenda Joins Maine Community Foundation as Vice President of Communications and Marketing

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Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Janenda to the position of Vice President of Communications and Marketing. Tom joined the organization full-time on September 3, 2024.

Tom has decades of experience as a senior communications strategist and leader nationally and statewide in Maine. He served as Deputy White House Communications Director under President Clinton and has led communications in values based, mission driven organizations across the business, political, advocacy, and not-for-profit sectors. Tom brings strong relationships in all those sectors plus a passion for economic opportunity, conservation and climate resilience, and equity including Wabanaki sovereignty.

With deep family roots in rural Maine, including a potato farm in Patten and a pharmacy in Old Town, he was happy to finally move to Maine in 2003 to lead communications at Tom’s of Maine.

As Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Tom will join MaineCF’s senior leadership team and will develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive communications and marketing strategies that enhance the Foundation’s visibility, brand, and impact among target audiences including donors, prospects, and community/opinion leaders across sectors.

In accepting this position, Tom said, “For over 40 years Maine Community Foundation has brought people and resources together to build a better Maine. I am excited to join this exceptional team as it builds on that record of community leadership to make significant, widely shared, and lasting positive impact on the critical issues facing Maine communities today.”

He will be based out of MaineCF’s Ellsworth office.

About MaineCF: Founded in 1983, MaineCF brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. They offer a range of giving options tailored to fit each donor’s financial means and charitable objectives. Their staff provides personalized service, community leadership, and a deep understanding of local issues. To learn more about MaineCF, please visit https://www.mainecf.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent. Pillar’s founder, Cindy Joyce, is a Certified Diversity Recruiter. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com

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Search Success! Emma Concepcion Joins UTEC as Chief People Officer

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UTEC and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are excited to announce that, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, Emma Concepcion has joined UTEC as their new Chief People Officer.

Reporting to UTEC’s CEO, Emma will be responsible for leading UTEC’s people and talent strategies, managing and mitigating organizational risks, and continuing the development of their human resource-related strategies, policies, and procedures. She will be a strategic advisor to senior leadership on a variety of issues, including employee relations, leadership development, organizational culture, and talent management, and will be play a key leadership role in supporting UTEC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of management and embodying UTEC’s DEI vision in their work and workplace culture.

Emma joins UTEC from Bay Cove Human Services, where she was their Vice President of Human Resources and earlier was the organization’s Director of Human Resources. As a member of the Bay Cove leadership team, she established the workforce development team, was Co-Chair of the DEI committee, designed and implemented HR initiatives, enhanced staff retention and engagement, and aligned HR strategies with organizational objectives. While Emma was Bay Cove’s Vice President of Human Resources, the organization achieved recognition as one of Boston’s Top Places to Work for five consecutive years. Prior to her tenure in Human Resources at Bay Cove, Emma spent a decade as their Director of Housing. In addition to her human resources and human services expertise, Emma also has extensive mediation experience, as she spent several years participating in court mediation and mediation training as a member of the Harvard University Mediation Program, handling cases related to civil, housing, and harassment prevention orders.

About UTEC: UTEC is a nationally recognized program for justice-involved young adults. The program starts behind the walls of correctional facilities and intensive street outreach/gang peacemaking and transitions into an intensive program in the community post-release. The nature of their educational services, wraparound supports and counseling, social enterprise/workforce development, organizing/policy work, training institute, and innovative partnerships creates a variety of impacts in the lives of the individuals and communities they serve.

Last year, UTEC served over 600 young adults including a range of outreach activities, and approximately 150 young adults intensively through their comprehensive program. During this fiscal year, 75% of young adults at UTEC avoided arrest. With over 20 years of experience, UTEC is a catalyst, innovating in the way they serve young adults (ages 17-25) who are criminally and/or gang involved in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley. Learn more about UTEC at https://utecinc.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

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Search Success: Griet Dehandschutter Joins Treehouse Foundation as Director of Development!

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Treehouse Foundation and Pillar Search are thrilled to announce the appointment of Griet Dehandschutter to the position of Director of Development.

As the Director of Development, Griet will be a key member of the Treehouse Leadership Team, overseeing the organization’s fundraising and expanding its community of support across Massachusetts and nationwide. Griet will be responsible for setting fundraising strategy, managing the fundraising team, growing Treehouse’s resources by deepening engagement with individuals, corporations and foundations and raising the organization’s visibility in support of its big and bold vision. She will report to Treehouse Foundation’s Founder and Executive Director Judy Cockerton.

Most recently, Griet was the Executive Director of Acton-Boxborough United Way where she doubled the revenue in two years and engaged multi-stakeholder coalitions to address vital community needs. Prior to that, Griet was an international fundraising consultant, where she pioneered innovative and sustainable international major giving, corporate and foundation giving strategies with large and small nonprofits, museums, and universities across 15 countries and 4 continents. Earlier in her career, as East Coast Director for Flanders Investment and Trade, Griet partnered with Fortune 500 executives to locate their pan-European business operations in Belgium. Griet also co-founded the European-American Chamber of Commerce in the United States, today known as the Transatlantic Business Council (TABC).

Griet earned her Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and her Master of Law from Belgium’s University of Antwerp.

In addition, Griet has served on several boards, including the American Fund for Charities, SilverAqua, and iScale. As a volunteer, Griet co-chaired the Capital Campaign for the United Church of Christ in Boxborough, MA.

About the Treehouse Foundation: The Treehouse Foundation is an award-winning Massachusetts-based nonprofit that is working diligently to inspire a Re-Envisioning of Foster Care in America.

Since its launch in 2002, Treehouse has been investing in foster care, vital aging, and affordable housing innovation. Its mission: To inspire, implement, and support innovative child welfare practices that ensure our children who experience foster care find permanent families and supportive communities, allowing them to develop, heal and thrive. Its vision: Every child rooted in family and community. 

Nationally recognized social entrepreneur, Judy Cockerton, has provided her visionary leadership to the Treehouse Foundation since its inception. Cockerton, known as a highly collaborative leader, developed the award-winning intergenerational Treehouse Community model and leads the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) movement. In 2006, the first intergenerational Treehouse Community opened in western Massachusetts, where the largest percentage of children and youth experiencing foster care in the Commonwealth reside. The Treehouse Foundation partnered with Beacon Communities LLC to design, build and operate the first Treehouse Community in Easthampton, MA. Treehouse is now partnering with 2Life Communities to bring the successful intergenerational Treehouse Community model to the site of the former Boston State Hospital in Mattapan.

On November 3-4, the Treehouse Foundation will host its 9th national Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) conference in Boston. REFCA2023 will feature the wisdom, award winning ideas, and lived expertise of REFCA Champions – stellar changemakers who are using their firsthand experience and professional acumen to create new visions for child welfare.

To learn more about this visionary organization, please visit https://www.treehousefoundation.net.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

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Search Success: Lorna Campbell Joins the B.A.A. as Head of Public Relations!

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The Boston Athletic Association (the “B.A.A.”) and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are thrilled to announce the appointment of Lorna Campbell to the position of Head of Public Relations.  

As the founding Head of Public Relations, Lorna will be tasked with building a best-in-class Public Relations strategy and function for global impact and will be a key driver in advancing the effectiveness and vision of the B.A.A. Reporting directly to the B.A.A.’s Chief Executive Officer, Jack Fleming, she will be part of the organization’s senior leadership team.

Most recently, Lorna was Head of Communications for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Prior, she was the Regional Director, Asia Pacific, Public Relations & Sports Marketing with Hill+Knowlton Strategies based in Singapore. With more than 20 years’ experience in PR and communications in Asia, Europe and the US, Lorna has worked on some of the world’s largest sporting events including the London, Rio and Tokyo Summer Olympic Games; the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, the Wimbledon Championships, 2014 Ryder Cup and the Commonwealth Games from 2006-2018 with Team Scotland.

Lorna earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, Sports Science & Geography from England’s Loughborough University and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional through the Digital Marketing Institute.

About the B.A.A.:  The B.A.A. is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision in a variety of ways, such as organizing mass-participatory running events like the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

The B.A.A. believes that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace and community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive and promotes a sense of belonging for all. To learn more about this wonderful organization, please visit www.baa.org.  

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business and Certified Diversity Recruiter based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information about Pillar, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

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Search Success: Aubrey Church Joins Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance as Policy Manager!

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Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce the appointment of Aubrey Church to the position of Fisheries Policy Manager. Aubrey joined the organization on February 6, 2023.

As Policy Manager, Aubrey will manage and execute all policy and campaign activities, working with the CEO to develop policy positions and strategize advocacy campaigns. Aubrey will attend state and federal regulatory meetings to monitor proposed changes and represent the local fleet, analyze fishery policy options, build relationships and credibility within the fishing industry and with elected officials, organize fishermen meetings to discuss fisheries issues, write comment letters on proposed regulatory changes (for the organization and for the fishermen), and organize fishermen and the public to participate in advocacy campaigns.

Most recently, Aubrey was a Research Biologist with the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. Prior, she was a Data Debriefer with the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program and earlier in her career Aubrey was a Northeast Fisheries Observer and At-Sea Monitor with MRAG, Americas. In addition, she has consulted with Fishery Applications Consulting Team, LLC and Stoveboat LLC.

In December 2022, Aubrey completed her Professional Science Master’s degree from UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science and Technology. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Franklin & Marshall College.

About Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance: The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance is a progressive leader that promotes stewardship of coastal ecosystems and community-based fisheries management through outreach, economic development, and policy programs. Started in 1991 by a small group of commercial hook and line fishermen from Cape Cod, the organization quickly developed into an effective voice for all local fishermen. The operating theory is straightforward: responsible fishing practices and conservative regulations will generate healthy fish stocks and revitalize the region’s fishing communities.

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance works closely with fishermen, public officials, scientists, and other non-profits to advocate for a sustainable small-boat fishing fleet while creating smart policies that promote habitat protection, community decision-making, and a viable fishery for the next generation. Learn more at www.capecodfishermen.org.  

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and the boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

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Craig Misner Named the New Director of Academic Services with JVS!

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JVS Boston and Pillar Search & HR Consulting are proud to announce, following an extensive and competitive candidate search, the appointment of Craig Misner to the position of Director, Academic Services.

This is a well-deserved promotion from Craig’s most recent role with JVS as Manager of Coaching Services, Academic Services.

Craig will be responsible for executing and leading agency Academic services based on identified needs of clients, employers, funders, and other stakeholders. In collaboration with the Vice President, Craig will manage the performance expectations of Academic Services programs, teams, and staff. He will be responsible for collaborating with the VP around the fiscal health of Academic Services programs, program budgets, and budget modifications, as well as annual revenue and expenditure projections and assisting with development efforts to support academic services.

Craig brings extensive workforce development and leadership experience to the role with JVS. Earlier in his 8-year tenure with JVS, Craig was the Academic Coach and Outreach Specialist with their Bridges to College and Careers Program. Prior to joining JVS, Craig work in Human Resources with a focus on learning and development with Starbucks and Town Sports International. Craig earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Massachusetts, Boston.

About JVS Boston: For 80 years, JVS has helped tens of thousands of individuals with barriers to economic success secure financial independence through training, education, and employment services.  As the largest provider of adult education and workforce development services in the region, JVS is a nationally recognized leader in workforce development, and is a key part of the poverty alleviation strategy for the greater-Boston area.  In order to reach people in need of assistance on their pathway to meaningful employment and financial independence, JVS targets most of its services to low-income individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and to low-wage workers in need of career advancement services.  Many have multiple support needs ranging from limited English proficiency and lack of education to disabilities, criminal records, lack of childcare and transportation.  JVS operates on annual budget of more than $15 million, of which is derived equally from public and private sources. For more information, please visit www.jvs-boston.org.

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with senior leaders and boards of directors to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.

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Certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter (CDR)

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Pillar Search & HR Consulting

I am pleased to announce that today I became a Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR), which will help me to continue my work of helping nonprofit and mission-driven organizations to create and execute successful hiring strategies with a focus on building pipelines of talent, including from diverse and underrepresented groups. The AIRS Certified Diversity and Inclusion Recruiter course provides executive search and recruiting professionals the opportunity to develop strategies to create and improve diversity and inclusion talent acquisition practices. 

About Pillar Search & HR Consulting: A woman-owned business based in Boston, Pillar Search & HR Consulting provides executive search/recruiting and human resources consulting expertise to nonprofit and mission-driven organizations, working with leaders and boards to hire and develop the very best talent across all functional areas of the organization. For more information, please visit www.pillarsearch.com.