Welcome SPY's New Co-CEOs!
Hi friend,
After an extensive search and thoughtful consideration about the leadership structure that would best serve SPY in its next chapter, our Board of Directors has chosen to move forward with a Co-CEO model.
As innovators in the nonprofit space, SPY is committed to leading by example and is moving to a Co-CEO model as a collaborative leadership structure that reflects our commitment to reducing hierarchy and promoting shared decision-making. The Co-CEO model encourages collaboration, supports organizational sustainability, and allows SPY to benefit from two accomplished leaders with complementary areas of expertise and shared commitment to our mission, values, staff, and young people.
We are thrilled to announce that our search is over. Effective October 1, 2026, SPY’s Board of Directors has appointed two longtime members of SPY’s executive leadership team — Mary McGuire, formerly Chief Impact Officer, and Noelle Stanfield, formerly Chief Program Officer — as our new Co-Chief Executive Officers.
Mary McGuire
Noelle Stanfield
“I'm excited to begin this next chapter with SPY and build upon the strong foundation that already exists. I’m especially looking forward to working with Mary, whose integrity and commitment to our mission and community are values I share deeply. I believe our different experiences and strengths will allow us to support one another and bring a thoughtful collaborative approach to the work ahead.” - Noelle Stanfield
“I’m incredibly excited to step into this role alongside Noelle. We have a strong, collaborative partnership built on trust, shared values, and a deep respect for what each of us brings to the work. I have tremendous respect for Noelle’s experience and leadership, and I’m grateful for the way we support, and complement one another. I’m genuinely excited about what we’ll be able to accomplish together for SPY and the young people we serve.” - Mary McGuire
Mary’s background in fundraising, communications, advocacy, and organizational strategy, combined with Noelle’s clinical expertise, longstanding leadership within LA’s homeless services community, and experience spanning direct service through executive leadership, brings together two complementary perspectives at the executive level.
Together, they will lead SPY into its next chapter while ensuring that the organization remains grounded in its mission, responsive to the young people we serve, and connected to the staff, partners, donors, and community members who make this work possible.
We are grateful to our Board of Directors for their thoughtful leadership throughout this process and for their commitment to SPY’s future. We also want to thank Che Ramirez for his leadership as Interim CEO and for helping to guide SPY during the transition.
We are incredibly excited for what comes next and look forward to sharing this next chapter of SPY with all of you.