On Tuesday, June 15, 2021, Laura Mitchell, former Cincinnati Public School superintendent, joined Beech Acres Parenting Center as their President and CEO. Laura succeeds Jim Mason who has effectively led the organization for 42 years.
Centennial was chosen to lead this search and work alongside the search committee of Beech Acres because of our thorough 4C Recruiting Process ® and our experience with succession. Our team was included early to help the process go smoothly. “Not only did Centennial provide Beech Acres with an outstanding slate of candidates, but we also walked with them through the entire process,” noted Becky Scheeler, Executive Vice President of Centennial. “From the initial executive search conversations with various stakeholders to the critical timing of the hiring announcement, the Centennial team was there to support, educate, and guide.”
Jessica Baron, Centennial’s Executive Recruiter and Key Advisor in this search commented, “This search really exemplifies the power of relationships. Beech Acres trusted Centennial to find the absolute best candidate for them and help them navigate the complex search that included a significant rollout plan. Likewise, the candidates trusted us to move them forward in the process, as it aligned with their career goals and aspirations.”
Centennial’s recruiting team worked with Beech Acre’s excellent search team who coordinated with the rest of their board. This was a national search with more than 80 candidates being considered – and, we found the best candidate right here in Cincinnati. Jessica shares, “Laura was not looking for a job. I sought her out to see who she might refer to us. I was delighted when she indicated that she would be interested.”
Jessica emphasizes that this executive search is a perfect example of teamwork. “Several members on the Centennial team played an integral role in this search. We each have our strengths that complement each other. Together we made this a successful search for all parties involved.”
You can read more about Jim Mason’s retirement, the search, and Laura Mitchell’s background in the Cincinnati Business Courier or on Beech Acre’s website.