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.

At The Batten Group, we believe the right leader can transform an entire organization.

We’re a national nonprofit executive search firm with more than 75 years of combined experience placing CEOs, development officers, and senior leaders across nonprofits, healthcare, higher education, and mission-based organizations.

Our work goes beyond résumés. We identify mission-driven, transformational leaders who align with your culture, inspire your teams, and drive long-term impact.

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