Feed The Children (FTC) could have a new CEO selected as early as this month as its interim leader has stepped down.

Cass Wheeler, formerly the CEO of the American Heart Association, stepped down late last month after a year as an independent consultant and advisor to the Oklahoma City, Okla., charity.

FTC Spokesman Tony Sellars said FTC's board has been screening candidates and conducting interviews and there could be an announcement on a new CEO as early as this month. FTC announced in February 2011 that Philadelphia, Pa.-based Diversified Search Odgers Berndtson would be assisting in the nationwide search for a new, permanent CEO.

The organization resolved litigation with its founder, Larry Jones, a year ago. Jones, who founded Feed The Children in 1979, has not had any association with the charity since being dismissed in November 2009.

Wheeler, who served as CEO of the American Heart Association from 1997 to 2008, was appointed as interim president of FTC in December 2010 with the expectation of a six- to 12-month assignment. Chief Operating Officer Travis Arnold, who has been serving as interim CEO, will assume interim president duties.

Among Wheeler's accomplishments cited in the announcement were implementation of a new strategic plan and staff performance management system, adoption of new bylaws, conflict of interest, nepotism, whistle blower and fraternization policies, as well as a new international standards focused on best practices. Wheeler also aided in the expansion of the audit committee and put the framework in place to conduct a national search for a permanent president and CEO.

Wheeler will continue his consulting and management coaching business from his Georgetown, Texas, home.

The organization resolved litigation with its founder, Larry Jones, a year ago. Jones, who founded Feed The Children in 1979, has not had any association with the charity since being dismissed in November 2009.

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