Post by Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services

Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services is proud to announce the appointment of Blythe Maling as our new chief executive officer. We are excited to bring in a highly respected leader in the nonprofit and child welfare sectors. With over three decades of experience advancing services for children, youth, and families, and as the executive vice president and chief philanthropy and corporate affairs officer at Wayfinder Family Services, we look forward to her vision for Optimist's future, starting July 2nd. Blythe has built a distinguished career leading philanthropy, communications, and organizational growth initiatives for mission-driven organizations across Los Angeles. She is widely recognized for her integrity, passion, strategic leadership, and deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Prior to joining Wayfinder in 2017, Blythe held leadership roles at St. Anne’s, John Tracy Clinic, and Para Los Niños. Blythe succeeds Rushmore Cervantes, who has successfully led Optimist as interim chief executive officer since 2024.