Sept. 18, 2018

Orion Food Systems CEO Steve Watkins is becoming the next leader of LifeScape.

Watkins has worked at Orion for 31 years and has served as CEO for the past four.

His personal philanthropic focus and efforts to secure corporate support have been significant for multiple nonprofits and have led to substantial contributions, according to a statement from LifeScape, which said his passion for people in need and strong desire to do meaningful work in the next phase of his career landed him the job.

LifeScape supports more than 3,500 children and adults annually, employing more than 1,100 staff members.

The nonprofit received 147 resumes for its CEO position.

“The selection committee and board are impressed with his proven leadership skills. The methods he uses to develop culture and lead people are aligned with the LifeScape culture and leadership style,“ the organization said in a statement. “He has experience with acquisitions, implementing innovative technologies, building strong teams and dealing with legislation and media that we believe will be beneficial. When we look at the LifeScape strategic plan, he is the person we believe can help us dream big and address the big challenges we have ahead of us. In addition, he has developed key relationships with city, state and national leaders, which we believe will enhance the success of LifeScape.

“Steve understands we have a strong team who serves our mission well. He has expressed his desire to work closely with Anne during a transition of leadership to gain her insights to be effective in the position.  We are confident that he will bring best practices to enhance areas that we have identified in our strategic plan and in our overall business practices.“

Watkins is scheduled to start at LifeScape on Oct. 15 and transition with retiring CEO Anne Rieck McFarland until Jan. 2, 2019.

“My family and I are honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve LifeScape’s patients, students, children and adults, their families and the dedicated staff that deliver on the mission every day,” Watkins said. “I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with an extremely supportive board and partner with Anne Rieck McFarland as we transition the leadership role. I look forward to meeting all of the people LifeScape’s mission touches and learning more about each area of the business in the coming months.”