SMA Recruits CEO for League of Women Voters
WASHINGTON, DC (July 26, 2018) – Following a national search conducted by Sterling Martin Associates (SMA), The League of Women Voters has hired Virginia Kase as the next Chief Executive Officer. Since 2011, Kase has been a leader at CASA, an organization at the forefront of the immigrant-rights movement representing nearly 100,000 members.
“As the League of Women Voters prepares for our 100th anniversary in 2020, the board and I are 
confident that Virginia Kase is the right person to lead this organization,” said Chris Carson, president of the League of Women Voters. “The League has experienced a wave of renewed activism in recent years and Virginia is ready to leverage that energy to increase the League’s impact.”
With more than 20 years’ experience working in the non-profit sector, Virginia Kase is a passionate activist and advocate for social justice.
“It is my honor to join such an important organization at a time when women are making a critical impact on our democracy,” said Virginia Kase, incoming CEO. “I started my career as a community organizer and know firsthand the power of grassroots activism. Women are playing a central role in this country’s advocacy and the League is at the forefront of this movement.”
Ms. Kase will take leadership of the nonprofit on July 25 and will partner with interim CEO Anisa Tootla as she returns to her Chief Operating Officer role.
“It has been my pleasure to serve as interim CEO and I could not be prouder of the work our team has accomplished,” said Anisa Tootla, Chief Operating Officer. “In this critical midterm election, we are reaching more voters than ever before and we are on target to support more than 2 million voters with our digital election tool, VOTE411.org.”
As Chief Operating Officer of CASA, Kase has driven the strategic growth, direction, and operations of the nonprofit.
“Virginia is a talented advocate for social justice and we are so grateful for the work she has accomplished on behalf of the Latino and immigrant community,” said Gustavo Torres, CASA Executive Director. “The League is fortunate to have Virginia’s skills and vision at this important moment for American democracy.”
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of public policy issues, and influences policy through education and advocacy.
Sterling Martin Associates (SMA) is a national executive search firm founded in 2006 by CEO and Managing Partner, David Martin. SMA specializes in working with associations and nonprofit organizations on senior-level executive searches. With five office locations in Washington, DC, Chicago, New York and California, SMA offers national reach and scope while providing a superior quality of service in a cost-effective manner. Our partners and consultants bring association, nonprofit and for-profit management experience to each of our client engagements. Our team also serves as volunteers for a wide range of nonprofit governing boards.
