SARASOTA, Fla. — Save Our Seabirds (SOS), one of the largest wildlife rescues in the state of Florida, recently launched a search for a new chief executive officer, as current CEO David Pilston announced his retirement.
Talent acquisition company MBJ Group is spearheading the organization’s nationwide search for a new CEO to help SOS fulfill its mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release seabirds, and to educate people of all ages on environmental issues. SOS receives calls to rescue approximately 5,000 birds every year and is home to many permanent avian residents and birds in rehab.
Pilston has served the nonprofit as CEO since 2012.
“At that time, he joined an organization that was struggling financially, with deteriorating facilities and low team morale,” said Jim Curtis, board chair for Save Our Seabirds. “During his tenure, revenues have tripled, putting SOS on firm financial footing and many improvements have been made to facilities and procedures, creating a more efficient and effective organization.” Last year, SOS hired its first-ever avian veterinarian, transforming SOS into a fully functioning avian hospital.
Pilston has established a solid foundation for the future, including a recently negotiated 20-year lease with the City of Sarasota, with two ten-year options. With that 40-year commitment in hand, SOS launched its first-ever capital campaign, “Come Fly With Us”, in 2019. The campaign is designed to provide funds for renovation of the facility including a beautiful new entry building, which has won architectural awards, an indoor education center, and completely rebuilt rehabilitation facilities. That campaign was put on hold due to the pandemic but will be re-launched as soon as possible.
Pilston and his wife will be moving to Europe in September. For more information about the job posting, visit MBJGroup.com/Current-Searches.
About MBJ Group
Founded in 2000 by Mary Beth and Jim Bos, MBJ Group is a talent acquisition company. The husband-and-wife team has over 60 years of combined experience paired with the creativity, human capital and strategic resources to get the optimal performance from an organization. The premier provider’s services include employee, group and individual talent acquisition solutions, job placement, staff development and strategic services, executive recruitment and onboarding and transitioning services. For more information, visit www.MBJGroup.com.