Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound Selects Paula Sardinas as CEO and President

We are pleased to announce that Paula Sardinas has been appointed as the new CEO and President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. Paula’s selection comes after a rigorous and inclusive search process facilitated by Ed Rogan of the Valtas Group in partnership with a committee of current and former Board Members led by Vice Chair Maurice James.
 
Paula’s personal connection to their mission, her diverse managerial experience, her background serving youth, and her commitment to equity and diversity make her a perfect fit to lead the next era of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

​Helping to build and execute our next five-year strategic plan, innovate their programs, tighten their connection to the communities they serve, and develop and evolve a staff are but a few of the hats she’ll wear as the new CEO & President. 

Paula most recently served as the VP, Innovation & Transformation with HAPO Community Credit Union in the Tri-Cities here in Washington State, where she created the HAPO Academy focused on financial literacy for kids K-12. She’s a lobbyist at heart, previously working with the Northwest Credit Union Association to represent 90 state and federally chartered credit unions in Washington State.

​She also served as the Chief Lobbyist for AT&T in their Florida State Legislative & Regulatory Affairs organization, and currently serves as a social justice lobbyist for women and communities of color here in Washington State. A former Little Sister herself, she’s no stranger to giving back: she has served extensively as a Big Sister, and volunteered with the Boys & Girls Clubs and the Girl Scouts.
 
Paula had this to say: “I know the value mentoring provides for our youth, especially in diverse communities facing a disparate impact. Good mentoring can lead to better life outcomes in both education and careers. I’m excited to bring my heart for serving our youth, combined with my passion for empowering people to this incredible agency. I want to be able to tell our Littles: I was once that marginalized child who was mentored by BBBS, and today I’m here to offer you hope and leadership for a very bright future.”
 
Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget sound said they are overjoyed to have found Paula. We’re certain that her vision along with her strong storytelling, networking, organizational, and collaboration skills will bolster the aggressive goals the Board of Directors has for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
 
We are excited about their next chapter and next steps under new leader Paula Sardinas!

About Big Brothers Big Sisters Puget Sound
 
Rooted in the Puget Sound region for more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network. They create meaningful 1-1 relationships between adult volunteer mentors and kids ages 6 through 18. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound serves youth in King and Pierce counties through mentoring programs in communities, schools, and workplaces. Mission: To create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
 
About Valtas Group

Valtas Group works as Interim Executive Directors, supporting organizations in times of transition and helps organizations navigate uncertainty during leadership change.  
 
Valtas Group also leads the search process in partnership with the board and staff leadership, as consultants for recruiting and search to support organizations identify the ideal Executive Director or leader.
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Valtas Group partners with board members and senior nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic consulting assignments. Valtas Group has a variety of comprehensive resources to guide your transition needs.  Contact us to learn about executive interim and placement services.