Kevin Chase Executive Search Re-Launches Its Search for Executive Director, Stepping Stone San Diego

OCT 19, 2022 -- Kevin Chase Executive Search Group (KCESG)is very excited to be re-activating its national search for the new Executive Director of Stepping Stone of San Diego. This re-launch follows a strategic pause in active recruitment and the appointment of a professional Interim E.D. to help steward Stepping Stone through this critical leadership transition. KCESG is again actively seeking applications, nominations, and referrals at [email protected].?

Click here for the full, updated EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECRUITMENT PROFILE.

Stepping Stone offers a safe, welcoming, and culturally competent environment for LGBTQ+ people to receive treatment for chemical dependency and co-occurring disorders. Found in 1976, Stepping Stone is among the first drug and alcohol recovery centers in the country specifically for LGBTQ+ people. It added a housing program for people living with HIV & AIDS in the 1980s and has been a pillar of the LGBTQ+, HIV, and recovery communities in San Diego County ever since.

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse has shown that the incidence of drug and alcohol dependency in the LGBTQ+ community is nearly three times higher than in the general population. Stepping Stone was a pioneer in understanding and responding to the impact of identity-based marginalization on mental and behavioral health. Stepping Stone's understanding of the unique needs of LGBTQ and HIV+ individuals and its incorporation of best, evidence-based practices has established the organization as a leader in the field of drug and alcohol recovery and a valued community partner

“The Stepping Stone Board engaged a super talented Interim Executive Director earlier this summer (on our strong recommendation) to steward the organization through the planned retirement of Cheryl Houk (she/her) after more than 20 years of service,” said KCESG Managing Partner Kevin Chase. “It’s a very smart, strategic decision to have an intentional period of interim leadership for any organization following the departure of an executive who's been in their executive leadership role for as long as Cheryl has.”

The short pause of active recruitment has given the Board and the Interim E.D. a critical window to facilitate a thoughtful, intentional, and appropriate transition of leadership, and to facilitate a period of organizational assessment and improvement in anticipation of a new executive leader. The new, permanent Executive Director will benefit greatly from both!

The new Executive Director of Stepping Stone will manage a budget of ~$4MM and a team of 30+ people providing inpatient, outpatient, and transitional living programs. Key areas of responsibility include: Organizational Leadership & Strategy, Fundraising, Financial Management, Staff Development, Community Relations, Program Support, and Board Relations.

Candidates for this ED position should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience that includes senior leadership and management roles (CEO, Executive Director, Deputy Director or similar), ideally in a direct-service, nonprofit organization. Leadership experience in a related mental/behavioral health, wellness, or residential services environment is strongly desired. Regardless of professional background, strong cultural competency and humility around intersecting LGBTQ+, HIV, mental health, and substance use/recovery identities is critical. Lived LGBTQ+, HIV, and/or recovery experience is highly valued.

Interested parties can reach out to KECSG at [email protected] to apply, provide nominations/referrals, or to request additional information.?