Latest News
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH) Selects Its Next CEO
I’m pleased to share some exciting news: Debbie Mason has been selected as the next CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH).
At Nielsen Training & Consulting, we had the privilege of leading this national search. I’m proud of the work we accomplished in partnership with the Board of Directors and grateful for the opportunity to support an organization whose mission and leadership have such an important impact on women’s health.
Debbie brings decades of executive leadership experience across nonprofit, association, and healthcare organizations. Her selection comes at an important moment for NPWH. As the organization approaches its 50th anniversary in 2030, it has an ambitious vision to become the nation’s leading authority and professional home for women’s health nurse practitioners. Its strategic priorities include advancing and protecting the WHNP profession, equipping clinicians for excellence in practice, and building the future women’s health workforce.
I’m excited to see Debbie lead NPWH into this next chapter and help turn that vision into action.
“Greg did an outstanding job leading our national search for our next CEO. He brought a thoughtful, strategic, and highly professional approach to the process, ensuring that we were presented with a strong and diverse pool of highly qualified candidates. His responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to understand our organization’s unique needs made the search process seamless and productive. We are extremely grateful for Greg’s expertise and leadership, and I would highly recommend him to any organization seeking a trusted partner for an executive search.”
Dr. Jessica Wells, PhD, NPWH Board Chair
I’m grateful to Dr. Wells and the entire NPWH Board for their trust and partnership throughout this process.
Executive search is about much more than filling a position. It’s about helping an organization clarify its leadership needs, engage stakeholders, evaluate candidates thoughtfully, and select the right person to advance its mission. When done well, the process creates an important foundation for the organization’s next chapter.
Congratulations to Debbie Mason and the entire NPWH community! I look forward to seeing what you accomplish together.
If your organization is preparing for a leadership transition or considering its next executive search, I’d welcome a conversation.
Before You Post the Job: The Conversations That Shape a Successful Executive Search
I’ve been involved in nonprofit executive searches from a few different perspectives. I’ve sat in the CEO’s chair. I’ve worked with boards. And today, through Nielsen Training and Consulting, I have the opportunity to help organizations navigate one of the most important decisions a board will ever make: selecting its next executive leader.
One thing has become pretty clear to me: The executive search doesn't begin when you post the job. In fact, posting the job may be one of the least important things you do at the beginning of the process. The real work starts with a few honest conversations.
What Does Your Organization Actually Need?
When a CEO leaves, it is natural for a board to start thinking about the person who will replace them. I encourage boards to pause before they start looking at candidates. Instead, ask: What does our organization need from its next leader?
Maybe the organization is ready for growth. Maybe it needs to stabilize after a difficult period. Maybe the board wants to strengthen fundraising, build a stronger staff culture, execute a new strategic plan, or position the organization for a significant change in the years ahead. Maybe the answer is simply that the organization needs continuity and a steady hand.
Every organization is different. And the answer can change depending on where the organization is in its lifecycle. That's why I don't believe in starting an executive search with a generic CEO job description. Start with the leadership challenge. Then build the search around that.
Get the Board Aligned
I've also seen how quickly an executive search can become complicated when board members have different ideas about what they are looking for.
One board member wants a visionary. Another wants a strong operator. Someone else thinks fundraising experience is the most important qualification. Another person is focused on organizational culture.
All of those perspectives can be legitimate. The problem comes when the board hasn't had the conversation about which of those things matter most for this organization, at this particular moment.
Before interviewing candidates, the board should be able to answer some basic questions together:
Where are we today?
Where are we trying to go?
What are our biggest opportunities?
What challenges will our next CEO need to address?
What should this person accomplish in the first 12–18 months?
What leadership characteristics are essential?
What are we unwilling to compromise on?
That doesn't mean every board member will agree on everything. It does mean the board should enter the search with a shared understanding of what it is trying to accomplish.
Is the Organization Ready?
There is another question I think boards should ask—and sometimes don't:
Are we ready for the leader we're asking for?
It sounds simple, but it can be an important question. A board may say it wants a CEO who will challenge the status quo, make difficult decisions, hold people accountable, and lead significant change. But is the board prepared to give that person the authority to lead? Are the roles of the board and CEO clear? Are expectations clear? Does the board communicate effectively with the CEO? Is there trust? Does the organization have a realistic understanding of its current culture, capacity, finances, and strategic priorities?
A great CEO isn't a magic wand. The right leader can accomplish a tremendous amount, but they still need a board that understands its role and an organization that is ready to move forward. Sometimes, the most valuable thing an executive search does is reveal some of this work that needs to happen.
Don't Just Replace the Last CEO
One of the easiest traps in a search is trying to recreate the person who just left. If the previous CEO was a great fundraiser, we want another great fundraiser. If they were highly relational, we want someone highly relational. If they were entrepreneurial, we want another entrepreneur.
But your organization isn't exactly where it was when that person was hired. Your strategy may be different. Your staff may be different. Your community may be different. The challenges facing your organization may be different. So rather than asking, “Who can replace our last CEO?” I think the better question is:
“What kind of leadership does our organization need for what comes next?”
That's a very different question. And it can lead to a very different search.
Slow Down to Move Forward
I know there can be tremendous pressure to move quickly when a CEO position is vacant. Boards worry about staff. Donors may have questions. Programs need to continue. Everyone wants certainty. But spending a little more time at the front end of the process isn't necessarily slowing the search down. It may be the best way to make sure you're headed in the right direction.
Before you write the position description, get aligned. Before you interview candidates, define success. Before you evaluate candidates, understand the leadership challenge. And before you ask someone to lead the organization, make sure the board is ready to be the kind of partner that leader needs.
The best executive searches aren't simply about finding a qualified person. They're about getting clear—really clear—about where the organization is going and what kind of leadership will help it get there. That's why, in my view, the executive search starts long before you post the job.
Before You Post, Start the Conversation
If your nonprofit is preparing for an executive transition—or you know one may be coming—don't start with the job posting. Start with the questions.
At Nielsen Training and Consulting, we help nonprofit boards clarify their leadership needs, build alignment, and approach executive search with intention.
If your board is facing an upcoming leadership transition, let's have a conversation before you begin the search. A thoughtful conversation today can make a significant difference in the leader you find tomorrow.
Welcoming Mackenzee McKittrick as Alley Cat Advocates’ next Executive Director
After a thoughtful and comprehensive executive search facilitated by Nielsen Training and Consulting, the Alley Cat Advocates Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the selection of Mackenzee McKittrick as its next Executive Director.
Mackenzee begins her tenure in this role on February 16, 2026. She will succeed Alley Cat Advocates’ visionary co-founder and Executive Director Karen Little who is retiring.
Mackenzee brings nearly 13 years of feline-focused animal welfare experience, including hands-on leadership in community cat programming and municipal policy development. She most recently served as Event and Outreach Coordinator at Vanderburgh Humane Society, in Evansville, Indiana, where she led the Community Cat Program and achieved significant, measurable results, including:
A 32% decrease in cat euthanasia at local Animal Control
231 fewer cat intakes at the Humane Society compared to the prior year
Her expertise in community partnerships, program development, and fundraising has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless cats and the communities she serves.
Leadership Quotes:
“I'm very excited about the experience, energy, and passion Mackenzee will bring to Alley Cat Advocates as our new Executive Director. The Board and I are all committed to partnering closely with her during the transition and cannot wait to see how the organization will grow under her leadership.”
Aaron Jessie, Board Chair
“I could not be more pleased to have Mackenzee McKittrick accept the position of Alley Cat Advocates' new Executive Director. She brings both a passion for the mission and a strong set of skills, the combination of which will help Alley Cat Advocates thrive for many years to come,”
Karen Little, Alley Cat Advocates’ retiring Executive Director
“It is a great privilege to step into the role of executive director of Alley Cat Advocates. After years of following ACA as a leader in community cat programming, I am excited to apply my skills and passion to continue making Louisville the safest city in the country for community cats. Alley Cat Advocates has been a cornerstone for gold standard care of unowned cats, and I am thrilled to continue Karen's legacy.”
Mackenzee McKittrick, Incoming Executive Director
Please join us in welcoming Mackenzee to her new role!
Great Kids Inc. Selects New CEO
Over the past few months, we have thoroughly enjoyed partnering with the Board of Great Kids, Inc. in their search for a new CEO. We are thrilled to share their announcement that David Bird has been selected as the new CEO of Great Kids. The selection follows a comprehensive national search.
David shares a deep passion for the Great Kids mission to support and empower children and families. He has 16 years of leadership experience in business development, marketing, client experience, and strategy. His passion is leading and coaching teams to reach their maximum potential.
"As I met team members, interacted with products and strategy, and observed the enthusiasm and passion that the organization demonstrated, I knew that I wanted to join this team in a more direct way. I am honored to lead and support the continued growth and impact in communities across the US and internationally." - David Bird
Great Kids, Inc. (GK) creates early childhood education curricula and training for home visiting programs that support families and is an international leader in early childhood development. With three decades of experience in results-driven program implementation and management, they offer evidence-based curricula and tailored training to support successful program outcomes.
If you would like more information on how NTC can partner with you in your organization's next executive search, please contact us!
CEO Opportunity Great Kids Inc.
We are excited to share that we have opened a search for the next great CEO of Great Kids, Inc.
Great Kids, Inc. (GK) creates early childhood education curricula and training for home visiting programs that support families and is an international leader in early childhood development. With three decades of experience in results-driven program implementation and management, they offer evidence-based curricula and tailored training to support successful program outcomes.
Under the supervision of the GK Board of Directors, this position is responsible for setting the strategic vision and ensuring the overall success of the organization. The next CEO will provide strategic leadership to the GK Leadership Team and manage progress toward GK strategic goals. This includes oversight of business development, human resources and staff development, administrative functioning, management of the production and distribution of quality GK products and services, and strong customer relationships.
Please click below to view the full description for this position, including compensation information and how to apply. The deadline to apply is July 22, 2024.
Frank Bennett is named Executive Director of The Leadership Center, a program of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce
Congratulations to Frank Bennett on being named Executive Director of The Leadership Center, a Program of Kentucky's Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Through my partnership with DCM Associates, I was pleased to lead this search with my colleague Yvonne Styles. The Leadership Center was launched in 2022 to work toward advancing the talent pipeline to support Paducah’s businesses, future economic development and community organizations. Congratulations Frank, The Leadership Center, and the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce!
Executive Director Opportunity: The Leadership Center
Through our partnership with DCM Associates, we are excited to share that we have opened a search for the first-ever Executive Director of The Leadership Center.
The Leadership Center, a brand for the leadership programs of the Kentucky-based Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, works toward advancing the talent pipeline to support Paducah’s businesses, future economic development and community organizations. At this time, The Leadership Center is recruiting an experienced, entrepreneurial leader to become its first Executive Director. The organization seeks a highly transparent leader with uncompromising integrity who resides within or is willing to relocate to the Paducah, Kentucky area.
The Executive Director will provide visionary leadership to guide the organization with strategies that will continue to serve its members and the broader employer community. The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and knowledge in a related field, as well as five or more years of executive non-profit or organizational leadership experience with goal setting and strategic planning. Click below to view the full ideal candidate profile for this position.
If you would like to express your interest in this position, please send a cover letter and resume to Gregory Nielsen at gregory@dcm-associates.com. If you would like to discuss the opportunity further or would like to recommend a candidate, please contact Dr. Yvonne Styles, at yvonne@dcm-associates.com.
Vista Care Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Through my partnership with DCM Associates, I am pleased to share that we have brought the search for a COO for Vista Care to a successful conclusion. Dave Sneddon has been selected as the next COO for Wisconsin-based Vista Care. I want to extend my congratulations to Dave and the Vista Care team and my gratitude to my search partner Yvonne Styles, who so skillfully and thoughtfully led this search.
Dungarvin Regional Director
Over the past several months, through my partnership with DCM Associates, I led a talented team that conducted the search for the next Regional Director at Dungarvin Inc. Congratulations to Jay Laurens on his selection by the Dungarvin team! Dungarvin is a national organization of privately owned companies dedicated to providing high quality, community-based supports to people with varying support needs. Congrats Jay!