Hilton Foundation, ILCSC Tap New Leaders

Two local nonprofits have added to their leadership ranks. The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation announced Beth deHamel has been appointed chief financial officer and vice president of operations. She’ll run the Westlake Village grantmaking organization’s financial, information technology and facilities operations effective Feb. 15. DeHamel is the former interim Chief Executive at nonprofit Mercy Corps in Portland, Ore., a post she held for more than a year following the resignation of the previous chief executive. Hilton Foundation Chief Executive Peter Laugharn said in a statement that deHamel’s decades of experience in the financial and nonprofit sectors give her a unique perspective.“With a proven history of guiding organizations through periods of change, her expertise will be a tremendous asset to the Foundation as we continue to grow and navigate new ways of working during the pandemic and beyond,” he added.The Business Journal last year listed the Hilton Foundation as the Valley area’s largest with $6.6 billion in assets.In Van Nuys, the Independent Living Center of Southern California appointed Christopher Wells as executive director.The Independent Living Center provides support and resources enabling independent living for people with disabilities, medical problems, mental illness and other impairments. It was established in 1976 to serve Northern Los Angeles County including the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, Tri-Cities and Antelope Valley. Wells, a former Peace Corps volunteer, joins the center from previous posts at the Transamerica Center for Health Studies and the Carter Center. He currently serves on the board for Make-A-Wish Foundation in Los Angeles. He will replace former Executive Director Norma Jean Vescovo, one of the center’s founders, who is retiring this year. She will remain on the organization’s board. Wells said in a statement it is an honor to continue the work started by Vescovo. "From painting the first blue handicapped curb in the nation and leading protests that made public transportation accessible in Los Angeles, to helping make the Forum and Staples Center wheelchair accessible, Norma's efforts have literally paved the way for people with disabilities across the city,” he said.