McHenry, IL - At the Pioneer Center for Human Services Board meeting September 22, 2011 the Board of Directors accepted the President/CEO Lorraine Kopczynski’s plans for retirement in the Spring of 2012.
Mike Moushey, Chairman of Pioneers’ Board said “As the board is very sad to see Lorraine retire, we are delighted in supporting her wishes for a very well deserved transition to the next chapter in her life. Her leadership and strong conviction has been instrumental in positioning Pioneer for many significant achievements over the years. Her passion and dedication for the organization, community and especially the clients has motivated and driven us all during our tenure on the board.
“Our objective to seek her replacement will be a challenging one to say the least, but we’re committed to maintain our diligence to assure candidates possess the high level of excellence Lorraine has established in this key leadership role. We will pursue a process for internal and external candidates over the next few months.”
Pioneer Center for Human Services is the largest social service agency in McHenry County serving persons with Developmental Disabilities, Mental Illness, Traumatic Brain Injury, the homeless through McHenry County PADS, victims of sexual Assault through VOICE Sexual Assault Services, Children and Adolescents through Youth Service Bureau and the Sage House a home for children with Autism.
Lorraine has provided significant dedication and leadership with Pioneer Center for over 25 years. She re-entered the workforce, full time, after her youngest entered school, starting as a caseworker in 1986 and received her Master’s Degree in Business Management in 1992. Lorraine advanced to key leadership roles including Division Director, Associate Director, Chief Operation Officer and was appointed to her current role as President/CEO in 2005.
“I am blessed to have had a wonderful career at Pioneer Center for Human Services”, said Lorraine Kopczynski, “I have a loving husband, three children, six grandchildren and two grand-dogs. It is time to open a new chapter in my life, relax and enjoy my family. Pioneer will always have a special place in my heart and I will continue to be an advocate for people with disabilities whenever I can.”
During Lorraine’s tenure, as President/CEO, Pioneer Center has grown from serving 900 clients and $11 million dollar budget in 2005, to now serving over 2500 clients with a $15 million dollar budget. Pioneer’s name was changed in 2005 to reflect the scope of a full service agency. By doing this it is now Pioneer Center for Human Services.
In 2006, Pioneer merged with McHenry County PADS and Pioneer also worked with the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) to establish the VOICE Sexual Assault Program which is now the rape crisis center for McHenry county. The organization has consistently demonstrated a strong leadership role in developing and providing superior human services when it was evident there was a need for these services within the community.
In July 2010 Pioneer merged with Youth Service Bureau expanding the scope and continuum of services from children and adolescents with mental health issues through adult mental health services. At the same time Pioneer added the Children Center for Autism, the Sage House, a home for four autistic children. Pioneer worked with Little Friends in Naperville bringing operations to Pioneer which was much closer and started the beginning of autism services.
In addition to the significant achievements within the organization, Lorraine has recognized with the following achievement awards.
- The Athena Award, by the Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce, in 2003.
- The Jacqueline Hanbach Award for Rehabilitation Professional from the Illinois Dept of Rehabilitation in 2003.
- Business Champions Award, from the McHenry county Economic Development Corporation in 2008.
- Don Burke award for Executive Excellence from IARF in 2008.
- Women of Accomplishment Award in 2009 from McHenry Chamber of Commerce – WINGS.
She has been active in the Rotary of McHenry for six years and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She has also been participated on several state and local committees over the years representing Pioneer Center as well as McHenry County.
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