Lubbock, TX – January 21, 2025 – Following an extensive nationwide search, the National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) is proud to announce the appointment of Deirdra Flavin as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 17, 2025. With more than two decades of experience in organizational leadership, including five years of service as NACG’s National Marketing & Development Director, Deirdra was selected for her unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission and her proven ability to lead transformative, high-impact initiatives. As part of the NACG’s leadership team since 2019, Deirdra has spearheaded efforts to expand the organization’s visibility and influence on a national scale. She led significant organizational growth through strategic fundraising initiatives, innovative resource development, and the expansion of national partnerships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Deirdra into the CEO role,” said Debbie Meyer, NACG Board President. “Her passion for NACG’s mission, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership style make her the ideal person to lead the organization into its next chapter. We are confident that under her guidance, NACG will continue to expand its reach and impact for bereaved children and their families.”
The NACG Board of Directors engaged the search firm NPAG to lead this critical CEO search. The position attracted over 220 applicants, and NPAG worked closely with the NACG Board-appointed search committee to narrow the pool to a group of interviewees. Through a comprehensive multi-stage interview process involving NPAG representatives, a search committee, and staff, the candidate pool was narrowed. Deirdra emerged as the applicant of choice to lead the organization into the future. Although an internal candidate was ultimately chosen, the board’s decision to conduct an extensive search underscores their commitment to transparency, fairness, and equity.
“Taking on the CEO role at the National Alliance for Children’s Grief is an extraordinary honor,” stated Deirdra. “As the only professional membership organization dedicated specifically to childhood bereavement, we have both a unique responsibility and an incredible opportunity to advance this critical field. Our strength has always been rooted in the rich diversity of our board, staff, and membership, whose collective wisdom and experiences shape how we serve our communities. We are deeply committed to ensuring our work authentically reflects and amplifies the diverse voices of those we serve. Together with our dedicated partners, we will work to increase public awareness and competency around childhood bereavement, recognizing that access to support for bereaved children is a critical issue that demands our collective attention and action.”
Born in Cork, Ireland, Deirdra relocated to the United States in 2011 and now resides in Virginia with her family. She began her career in the corporate sector before discovering her passion for social impact through volunteer work with nonprofits. Deirdra holds a Masters Degree in Management and Marketing from University College Cork and is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE).
Deirdra succeeds Vicki Jay, who has served as NACG’s CEO for the past seven years. Vicki announced her retirement to the board in early 2024, initiating the search for her successor.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to lead the NACG and work alongside such dedicated professionals who are passionate about supporting children who are grieving,” said Vicki. “Deirdra has been an invaluable member of our team, and I am confident that her leadership will propel the NACG to new heights.”
For more information about NACG and its programs, visit www.nacg.org. To contact Deirdra directly, email her at deirdra.flavin@nacg.org.
About the National Alliance for Children’s Grief
The National Alliance for Children’s Grief (NACG) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the needs of children and teens who are grieving a death and provides education and resources for anyone who supports them. Through the collective voice of their members and partners, they educate, advocate, and raise awareness about childhood bereavement. Their mission is to raise awareness about the needs of children and teens grieving a death and provide education and resources to anyone who wants to support them. Their vision is for no child to have to grieve alone. All bereaved children, no matter where they live or their circumstances, should have the support and resources they need to positively adapt to a loss in their lives.
For additional information, please email info@nacg.org or phone 833 432 1542.