Solmonese Search Partners September 2023 Update

I launched Solmonese Search Partners (SSP) in September 2020 to recruit advancement professionals to an array of nonprofit institutions. My journey took an interesting turn when my friend and former colleague, Grace Zakim, introduced me to Health Law Advocates (HLA), which needed staff attorneys for its Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) initiative. The field of legal advocacy was new to me, but HLA’s mission and its leadership inspired me as did MHAP for Kids’ profound impact on the children it serves. My HLA work led to attorney searches at Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee, another organization that has greatly improved the lives of people with mental health concerns. Recently, HLA engaged me to recruit two more staff attorneys for MHAP for Kids. The work has been rewarding to me and, I hope, will be fulfilling for the new attorneys hired as they contribute to the success of these organizations.

In a blend of my initial and discovered areas of focus, another prominent legal advocacy organization, NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), engaged me to recruit senior members for its development team, including three positions that we filled earlier this year.

I appreciate your continued support of this venture, the advice and guidance you have provided to me over the years, and your participation in the search process (as clients, candidates, and/or sources). — John

EXECUTIVE SEARCH NEWS

OPEN SEARCHES

Health Law Advocates

Many children in, or at risk of entering, our juvenile justice system, end up there because of unmet mental health needs. HLA’s Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids (MHAP for Kids) has a proven track record of significantly improving the lives of these children and their families while reducing unnecessary costs for the state.

Health Law Advocates retained SSP to recruit two staff attorneys to support its MHAP for Kids initiative. This innovative program diverts children with unmet mental health needs from the juvenile justice system by helping them access mental health services. A Boston University School of Public Health study found that the program significantly improves the lives and health of children and their families.

Health Law Advocates is led by Matt Selig, a highly regarded leader in the legal advocacy community. MHAP for Kids is directed by Marisol Garcia, a visionary leader who launched the program and guided its dramatic growth.

Positions Available at Health Law Advocates

Staff Attorney, Eastern Massachusetts
Staff Attorney, Hampden County

NAACP LDF

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), the nation’s leading legal organization dedicated to advancing civil rights, retained SSP to recruit a creative professional to oversee its events programs. This effort marks the fourth search SSP has conducted for LDF and the continuation of a partnership with Claude Johnson and his development team.

Position Available at NAACP LDF

Director of Special Events

Brooklyn Law School

Brooklyn Law School engaged Liz Vago, of Liz Vago Talent Strategy and Recruitment, to recruit a new leader for its Career & Professional Development Center. Liz tapped SSP to assist in the early stages of this search. This opportunity comes at an historic time in BLS’s history as it welcomes David Meyer as its new president and dean; prepares for its 125th anniversary in 2026; and recommits to its mission of access and public service.

Position Available at Brooklyn Law School

Associate Dean for Career & Professional Development
Additional information on these roles available here.

CLOSED SEARCHES

NAACP LDF

SSP helped NAACP LDF fill critical roles on its development team. The positions became available at a time when LDF made a commitment to expand the organization’s development program to support its efforts to expand civil rights, expand democracy, eliminate disparities, and achieve racial justice.

Appointments

Gary Whidbee, Executive Director of Individual Giving

Katie Pooser, Director of Planned Giving

Rosalind “Rosy” George, Director of Corporate Giving

Background information on SSP placements available here.

PARTNERS

Since SSP’s launch, I have partnered with search professionals who have an array of skills and experience that have aided me in my work, benefited my clients, and enhanced the search process. Recently, I collaborated with a former Isaacson, Miller colleague, Liz Vago. Liz tapped me to help launch her associate dean for career and professional development search at Brooklyn Law School, and we continue to pursue opportunities for partnership on numerous fronts.

Liz Vago

After a 19-year career with Isaacson, Miller, Liz launched a search practice to support clients with impactful missions that require a high-touch process. Her diverse experience spans higher education, K-12 education, advocacy, environmental and social service organizations, research institutes, and select mission-driven for-profit companies. In addition to stewarding academic leadership searches, she has developed a comprehensive track record of success in finance and administrative leadership searches.

Earlier in her career, Liz worked in curriculum development, education, and professional development training for the Multiservice Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) and as a consultant with The Galler Group, a boutique firm focused on building fundraising capacity for nonprofits. Additional experience includes public relations direction, event planning, and performing arts.

Liz served as board vice president for Salem Sound Coastwatch, an organization dedicated to protecting the environmental quality of the Salem Sound watershed. She is a founding member and former chair of Salem Recycles, an EPA Environmental Merit Award recipient.

Liz holds a BA in psychology from Framingham State University and an MFA from Florida State University Asolo Conservatory.