Latest News
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!