CEO, provider of integrated early intervention therapy for autism and communication challenges

Mission Driven Search has been competitively selected to conduct a CEO search for an innovative provider of integrated early intervention therapies for autism and similar communication challenges. Located in the Southeastern United States, we are conducting a national search for this critical role. All inquiries and applications will be handled in strict confidence.

About The Opportunity: For over 60 years, our Client has transformed the lives of children with autism and individuals with communication challenges through innovative therapies, compassionate care, and family support. As the region’s premier resource for developmental communications challenges, our Client provides services, including assessment, speech and language therapy, audiology, behavioral, occupational therapy and applied behavior analysis (ABA), early intervention — all under one roof. Educational offerings include a tuition free school to help prepare graduates to thrive in a less restricted  environment. A separate foundation focuses on diversified fundraising revenue sources to drive the organization’s growth in response to high demand.

Our Client is recognized as a national model for integrated, interdisciplinary care and a trusted partner to families, schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations across the State. Each year, our Client  serves 2000 children and families through individualized programs designed to help every child reach their fullest potential.

The next CEO will be a compassionate, visionary, and results-oriented leader who:

• Inspires teams through authenticity, empathy, and accountability.
• Brings a strategic and operational mindset with a heart for mission.
• Has the ability to build partnerships across sectors to advance community impact.
• Embraces innovation and continuous improvement to meet evolving needs.
• Reflects integrity, humility, and a deep respect for the families our Client serves.

Our Client’s Board of Directors has empowered a CEO Transition/Selection Committee to lead this CEO Executive Search in conjunction with the planned retirement of the current CEO. The incoming CEO will inherit a solid organization and a deeply committed team poised for continued innovation and growth.

About the Position: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and visionary direction for the organization, ensuring continued excellence in care, fiscal responsibility, and mission impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, stewarding its resources, and inspiring a multidisciplinary team of professionals and partners.

As the organization’s primary ambassador, the CEO will strengthen relationships with donors, healthcare and education partners, and civic leaders to expand awareness, partnerships, and funding opportunities that sustain and scale our Client’s impact across the region.

The CEO has direct oversight responsibility for the organization, strategically partnering with the school and foundation to fulfill their shared mission. Collectively, the organizations’ revenues approach $12M, with roughly $10M in net assets.

About the Responsibilities: The successful candidate will have a proven track record of…

• Strategic & Organizational Leadership
• Board Relations & Governance
• Fundraising & External Relations
• Financial & Operational Management

Requisite Qualifications and Experience:

The successful candidate for CEO will have relevant education and experience, including:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Clinical Discipline, Nonprofit Management, Education, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in a healthcare, clinical or mission-driven nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated capabilities in strategic planning and visionary leadership.
• Proven record of managing multidisciplinary teams and leading organizational growth.
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational management skills, including financial management skills, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Proven track record in servant leadership, orchestrating engaged and best in class teams as a second level leader (managing other organizational leaders/managers).
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and external partnerships.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills.
• Experience with Board Engagement and Governance.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills, including large events, donor meetings, interviews with the media.
• Stable work history
• Demonstrated personal commitment serving children, including easily engaging and putting at ease clients with widely varying needs from diverse populations.
• At the appropriate time, you will provide references who can speak to your interpersonal effectiveness and emotional intelligence, and to address questions specific to your candidacy.

In addition to meeting the above requirements, the ideal candidate for CEO will have:

• Prior experience as a CEO, COO, GM, or other C-suite executive in a similar setting.
• Experience leading in a healthcare, therapeutic, or early-intervention environment.
• Prior success managing both clinical and operational functions.
• Board engagement and governance experience.
• Connection to Baton Rouge or Louisiana preferred.