At The Batten Group, we’re proud to partner with organizations that change lives. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the appointment of Meri-Margaret Deoudes as Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at the Parkinson’s Foundation—the nation’s leading community dedicated to improving life for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and driving toward a cure.

This executive search represents the kind of transformational leadership placement that moves missions forward.

With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Deoudes brings a rare blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and compassion for mission-driven work.

At the Parkinson’s Foundation, she will oversee the implementation of the organization’s mission priorities, streamline operations, and guide the efficient deployment of resources to maximize impact for the PD community.

John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation, shared:

“The addition of Meri-Margaret to our leadership team will be instrumental in advancing our mission. She is dedicated to changing outcomes for the one million individuals with PD in the U.S. today.”

Deoudes has spent her career driving results across nationally recognized nonprofits including March of Dimes, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, National Wildlife Federation, EarthShare, and most recently, as President and CEO of the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF).

Her leadership style blends data-driven strategy with heart-centered collaboration — the same qualities that define the Parkinson’s Foundation’s commitment to care, research, and education.

“I understand the urgency of the Foundation’s mission,” said Deoudes. “I look forward to collaborating with the Parkinson’s community to drive better outcomes today and tomorrow.”

Deoudes is a Certified Fund Raising Executive with a degree in history, sociology, and psychology from George Washington University. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she’s an avid reader, runner, and community advocate — a leader whose personal values align perfectly with the Parkinson’s Foundation’s vision for a world without PD.

Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested over $400 million in research and clinical care to improve life for people with Parkinson’s disease. The organization continues to build on the passion and expertise of a global community committed to finding a cure.

Visit Parkinson.org to learn more.

The Batten Group’s commitment to finding mission-driven leaders is not just a recruitment strategy—it’s a dedication to the long-term success of nonprofit organizations and their missions. The true art of executive search lies in identifying authentic passion, aligning it with the right expertise, and matching it to the unique purpose of each organization. By doing so, The Batten Group helps nonprofits thrive and drive meaningful, lasting change.

In the nonprofit world, values-driven leadership isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. And The Batten Group is at the forefront of making that essential leadership a reality.

We are a premier national executive search and consultancy firm with more than 75 years of collective experience in nonprofit, philanthropy, and executive recruitment. We specialize in placing transformational leaders in nonprofit, healthcare, higher education, and mission-based organizations across the country.

As experts in recruiting and talent acquisition, our mission is to connect exceptional individuals with purpose-driven organizations—helping our partners achieve their boldest strategic goals.

We believe the most impactful teams are built by welcoming varied perspectives, lived experiences, and leadership styles. That belief is at the core of every search we conduct. By fostering environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered, we help build stronger, more resilient leadership for the future.

We’d love to learn more about your organization’s goals and how we can support your search for the next transformational leader. Visit thebattengroup.com to learn more, or click here to explore our proven hiring methodology.

Follow us on LinkedIn and X to stay updated on our latest searches. And don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter for expert tips, leadership insights, and new career opportunities across the nonprofit sector. [Click here to subscribe].