Women on Boards Project Names Kierstin Rielly as CEO to Lead Next Phase of Growth

• Kierstin Rielly named CEO of the Women on Boards Project immediately
• The Women on Boards Project is a nonprofit dedicated to getting more women into U.S. boardrooms
• Kierstin's appointment signifies a new era of expansion and influence for the organization

The Women on Boards Project, which is a nonprofit organization focused on improving women's representation at the corporate board level throughout the USA, has selected Kierstin Rielly to be its next Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1.

Kierstin is a change leadership expert, and recently was the Executive Director of Naturally San Diego, which she created into one of the leading advocates on innovation and inclusion in the natural products industry.

Her appointment is a major milestone for the Women on Boards Project as it grows its efforts to catalyze system-level change at the corporate board level.

"We are overjoyed to announce Kierstin as our new CEO," said Cassie Burr, Board Chair. "She is a vibrant, equity-focused leader with ample experience in stakeholder engagement and nonprofit development. Her entrepreneurial mindset and passion for representation will position her well to lead us into the future."

At Naturally San Diego, Kierstin led premier initiatives in aid of underrepresented founders, connecting emerging brands with investors, and expanding the greater Southern California consumer goods ecosystem. Her efforts made the organization a leading voice on equity within the CPG (consumer packaged goods) sector.

“It is a privilege to lead the Women on Boards Project at this important moment,” stated Kierstin. “While progress has been made, women, and women of color in particular, are still grossly underrepresented in boardrooms. I am excited to build on this organization’s strong foundation and harness new energy to seek board leadership that is as diverse as today’s world“.

With her leadership, the Women on Boards Project will continue its work to establish inclusive pathways to board service, increase corporate responsibility, and establish community partnerships nationwide to break down barriers to diverse leadership.

The Women on Boards Project is a nationally focused nonprofit organization with the mission of doubling the number of women – and in particular women of color – seated on corporate boards. From public advocacy, to strategic partnerships, to board placement, the project assists companies in developing more inclusive and effective leadership. To date, WOB has placed more than sixty women on leading boards including Simple Mills, Honeypot, King Arthur Baking, Ancient Harvest and Humm.