Community Corner

Pioneer Center CEO to Retire

CEO Lorraine Kopczynski tells board she plans to step down in spring of 2012.

Lorraine Kopczynski, president and CEO of, told the center's board about her plans to retire in the spring of 2012.

“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," Mike Moushey, Chairman of Pioneers’ Board, said. "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," Moushey said. "We will pursue a process for internal and external candidates over the next few months.”

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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.

Kopczynski has worked for Pioneer Center for over 25 years. She re-entered the workforce, full time, starting as a caseworker in 1986 and received her Master’s Degree in Business Management in 1992.

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According to a release by Pioneer Center, Kopczynski 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 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 Kopczynski’s tenure, as President/CEO, Pioneer Center has grown from serving 900 clients and $11 million budget in 2005, to serving over 2,500 clients with a $15 million budget, according to Pioneer Center. Pioneer’s name was changed in 2005 to reflect the scope of a full-service agency.

In addition to the significant achievements within the organization, Kopczynski has been 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.

Kopczynski 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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