Arabella Advisors, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm that specializes in philanthropy and impact investing, has appointed company President Rick Cruz to the additional post of CEO.
“Rick has a deep understanding of Arabella, its position in the social sector, and the potential impact of our work,” Arabella founder Eric Kessler said in a news release. “I could not be more proud of his leadership or of the work of the Arabella team, and I look forward to continuing to support them in their journey forward."
The company announced in January 2022 that its prior CEO was leaving. Cruz will assume both roles, as well as joining Arabella’s board of directors.
“The Arabella team is a truly remarkable group of people who go to work every day to make the philanthropic sector more efficient, effective, and equitable,” Cruz said in a statement. “The opportunity to lead this team is an amazing privilege and opportunity, and I look forward to advancing the initiatives we’ve recently launched to increase Arabella’s impact, redoubling our commitment to serving our clients, our communities, and our sector.”
With 25 years of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Cruz has served in a variety of senior roles at social-sector education and youth development enterprises, including The College Board, America’s Promise Alliance, FSG, Teach For America and DC Prep Public Charter Schools, the press release said. He began his career working at the Corporate Executive Board (now Gartner), where he assumed successive leadership roles building teams that supported global corporations’ development of theire strategic planning, finance, risk management, and governance capabilities.
Cruz also holds board positions at several local and national nonprofits, including Instruction Partners, the Washington International School, and Goodwill of Greater Washington. He is a member of the Pahara-Aspen Fellowship and the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Cruz earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Yale University and now resides in Washington, D.C., with his wife Leslie, and their two children.