June 1, 2019 – LOS ANGELES, Calif.
Culminating a nationwide executive search, Lena Wilson, JD has been appointed to the position of President and CEO of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Vista’s Board Chair, Laurie Konheim confirmed the appointment, which is effective June 3, 2019.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are pleased and proud that Lena will be Vista Del Mar’s new President and CEO. The depth and breadth of her accomplishments to date reflect a sustained expertise in the key areas of Vista’s nationally recognized integrated programs and services. Together, we’re devoted to ensuring that Vista remains a cornerstone of the Los Angeles community in 2019 and beyond, providing exceptional, comprehensive, and compassionate services to the children and families most in need of them. We are tireless in our commitment to positively transform lives, and ultimately communities, one precious child at a time.”
Vista Del Mar was founded in Los Angeles in 1908, and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading non-sectarian child welfare, mental health, foster care and adoption agencies, and is lauded for a wide array of innovative therapeutic arts and vocational programs, as well as outpatient services. Vista has maintained a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, and is the recipient of the Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, recognizing the highest level of accreditation that can be bestowed upon a behavioral health organization. As only the 10th President and CEO in 111 years, Mrs. Wilson’s appointment demonstrates a remarkable history of leadership eminence and stability throughout Vista Del Mar’s history.
Mrs. Wilson, who holds a Doctorate of Law (JD) from University of Detroit Mercy, is an experienced, purpose-driven, compassionate, and strategic leader with a strong record of success in non-profit organization management, focused on empowering at-risk children, families and communities. She’s held executive positions at Samaritas, Lutheran Adoption Service, Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, The Salvation Army Denby Center, and recently consulted to the Northwest Michigan Child and Family Service Agency. Her philosophy, “Always look back to see whose hand you can take as you move forward.”
“Having the opportunity to work with the Vista team and serve this diverse community is a dream come true for me,” says Wilson. “Vista is an amazing organization that is truly focused on providing family-centered services for the community. I’m filled with overflowing feelings of joy and gratitude.”
Craig Prizant, Vice President of Development and Marketing notes, “Our extraordinary staff, Board of Directors, volunteers and beloved donors welcome Lena and are confident that she’ll ensure that Vista Del Mar remains the heartbeat of the city’s child and family welfare organizations. We are united in that goal.”