Kara Stimpson joins Helping People Succeed as President and CEO
In The News
min read
Kara Stimpson, the new president and CEO of Helping People Succeed, had an ah ha moment two years ago while she was touring Florida colleges with her two youngest children.
Stimpson says, “We were so enjoying ourselves, driving up the coast of Florida, visiting campuses and soaking in the beach vibe. At one point we stopped at a Publix and while I was waiting to check out, I thought to myself, ‘I could do this. I could definitely move to Florida permanently.’
The Philadelphia native shared her thoughts with her son and daughter who said, “Why not? We’ll all be out of the house. Go for it.”
Returning home to her job as Chief Impact Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (Georgia), Stimpson began searching in earnest and – as fate would have it – learned that Helping People Succeed was seeking a CEO.
And, after a successful series of interviews, Stimpson came on board on November 12, taking over the role that Suzy Hutcheson has made her own for almost 50 years.
“In the short time I’ve been here, it has become clear to me that Helping People Succeed provides transformational work in the community for the people it serves. The incredible team here lives out our mission every day. I could not be prouder to be in a position to carry on and grow this important work,” says Stimpson.
It's the perfect fit for someone who has wanted to be a teacher from the very youngest age. After a highly successful career that began in 1999 in North Carolina and Georgia schools, Stimpson’s job at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta was the perfect launching pad for her new role.
As Chief Impact Officer, she was responsible for the strategic growth and development of the organization’s programs and for overseeing the tactical day-to-day operations of IT and Program departments.
She has dual BAs in Education and English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an ME in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and earned her Educational Specialist degree from Georgia State University.
Glenna Parris, Gift Planning Officer of the 501(c)(3) organization, says “It is an honor to have Kara join our Helping People Succeed family. We look forward to having her be a part of the philanthropic community in which we all live.”
Stimpson, the mother of 24-year-old Andrew, 19-year-old Jayden, and 18-year-old Mia is adjusting to living that Florida seaside lifestyle that lured her such a short time ago. She and Ace, the cat the family adopted during Covid, are enjoying their new lifestyle.
Heidi Bosley, chair of Helping People Succeed’s Governing Board of Directors, stated “Hiring Kara was the culmination of a year-long process to find just the right person to fill the position held for so long by Suzy Hutcheson.
“The Board believes that not only will Kara fill those shoes, but will lead the growth and successful future of Helping People Succeed.”
Stimpson says, “We were so enjoying ourselves, driving up the coast of Florida, visiting campuses and soaking in the beach vibe. At one point we stopped at a Publix and while I was waiting to check out, I thought to myself, ‘I could do this. I could definitely move to Florida permanently.’
The Philadelphia native shared her thoughts with her son and daughter who said, “Why not? We’ll all be out of the house. Go for it.”
Returning home to her job as Chief Impact Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta (Georgia), Stimpson began searching in earnest and – as fate would have it – learned that Helping People Succeed was seeking a CEO.
And, after a successful series of interviews, Stimpson came on board on November 12, taking over the role that Suzy Hutcheson has made her own for almost 50 years.
“In the short time I’ve been here, it has become clear to me that Helping People Succeed provides transformational work in the community for the people it serves. The incredible team here lives out our mission every day. I could not be prouder to be in a position to carry on and grow this important work,” says Stimpson.
It's the perfect fit for someone who has wanted to be a teacher from the very youngest age. After a highly successful career that began in 1999 in North Carolina and Georgia schools, Stimpson’s job at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta was the perfect launching pad for her new role.
As Chief Impact Officer, she was responsible for the strategic growth and development of the organization’s programs and for overseeing the tactical day-to-day operations of IT and Program departments.
She has dual BAs in Education and English from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, an ME in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University, and earned her Educational Specialist degree from Georgia State University.
Glenna Parris, Gift Planning Officer of the 501(c)(3) organization, says “It is an honor to have Kara join our Helping People Succeed family. We look forward to having her be a part of the philanthropic community in which we all live.”
Stimpson, the mother of 24-year-old Andrew, 19-year-old Jayden, and 18-year-old Mia is adjusting to living that Florida seaside lifestyle that lured her such a short time ago. She and Ace, the cat the family adopted during Covid, are enjoying their new lifestyle.
Heidi Bosley, chair of Helping People Succeed’s Governing Board of Directors, stated “Hiring Kara was the culmination of a year-long process to find just the right person to fill the position held for so long by Suzy Hutcheson.
“The Board believes that not only will Kara fill those shoes, but will lead the growth and successful future of Helping People Succeed.”
