Mutual Ground, Inc.’s next chief executive officer, Linda Maranda, joins the organization after serving as vice president of Strategic Partnerships for Haymarket Center in Chicago
Aurora-based Mutual Ground announced June 20, 2023, that Linda Maranda has been hired as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Maranda, who is leaving her position as vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Haymarket Center in Chicago, joined the staff members at Mutual Ground’s headquarters Monday, July 31st.
For more than 45 years, thousands of individuals have trusted Mutual Ground to provide life-changing services that have empowered them to face the challenges of domestic and/or sexual violence. The organization was incorporated in 1975 and began offering counseling and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence. The first shelter opened in Aurora in 1978. In 1983, they began offering counseling and advocacy services to victims of sexual violence. Mutual Ground, Inc. acquired Breaking Free, Inc., February, 1, 2021. Breaking Free, founded in 1977, helped rebuild the lives of those impacted by substance use disorder through counseling, treatment and education.
“We are very excited that Linda is joining the Mutual Ground team,” said Search Committee chairperson and former Board president Andi Danis. “Her wealth of experience with substance use and mental health services will be invaluable in taking this organization to the next level of providing trauma-informed, holistic care for all of our clients.”
As the vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Haymarket Center, Maranda directed all phases of key initiatives. She played a key role on the executive team through successful preparation of the HRSA FQHC-LAL initial designation site visit process to bring a new healthcare product line to the agency. As the vice president overseeing the human resource department at Haymarket, she optimized operational efficiencies in the recruitment, hiring, onboarding and retention of staff members.
Maranda began her career at Interventions as a director of Provider Relations and later became the executive director of Caritas. In addition, as the executive director of The Women’s Center, she steered all aspects of their substance abuse treatment program for women and children. Prior to coming to Haymarket Center, Maranda was a director with Southwood Interventions where she led the execution of multiple business functions, including administrative, fiscal and clinical operations of this cross-cultural behavioral health facility.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining such a dedicated group of professionals and mission-driven organization as Mutual Ground,” said Maranda. “Through its wide array of life-changing services, Mutual Ground enhances the quality of life and empowers so many individuals, families and communities each year. I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization.”
Maranda holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Xavier University and a master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University.
Maranda replaces long-time chief executive officer Michelle Meyer who departed the organization at the end of May.
Mutual Ground engaged Kittleman & Associates to conduct a search for its new CEO, led by Kittleman Principal Megan Lewis. Kittleman & Associates is a national executive search firm that specializes in the recruitment of CEOs for tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, public charities, and philanthropic organizations. Kittleman recruits leaders for the entire nonprofit sector including human services agencies, advocacy and educational organizations, and foundations. For more information, visit https://www.kittlemansearch.com/.
— Mutual Ground