by Tim Wayman, Chair, FamilyForward Board of Directors
Over the past 12 years, FamilyForward Executive Director Chuck Warner has been instrumental in growing the organization to new heights while raising its profile throughout the northwest suburbs. As he prepares to retire at the end of the year, we would like to celebrate some of his many accomplishments.
Approximately 12 years ago, Faith Community Homes [now known as FamilyForward] began the search for a new executive director. Pastor David Russell, a founder of the organization in 2003 along with other members of the Arlington Heights Ministerial Association, was moving on to new responsibilities.
As a newbie who had just joined the board of directors earlier that year, I was drafted to serve on the search committee to help identify a new ex
ecutive director who could take the organization from Point A to Point B (remember the “Zen Master” Phil Jackson hire for the Chicago Bulls?). Anyway, it was no doubt going to be a tall order.
While we interviewed several strong candidates, one stood out from the rest. His name was Chuck Warner. Hired on January 1, 2010, Chuck has been instrumental in growing the organization to new heights while raising its profile throughout the northwest suburbs. As he prepares to retire at the end of the year, please consider some of his remarkable accomplishments:
Chuck engaged with townships, churches and foundations to secure key funding for the organization.
He oversaw and worked closely with two different program managers and three case managers during his tenure to grow the number of families we serve. Under his leadership, 85% of the families who completed the two-year program realized successful outcomes.
Chuck helped to expand our services from Arlington Heights into Palatine, and later to five additional neighboring suburbs.
He built key relationships with multiple chambers of commerce, philanthropic groups and others that led to donations of services, goods, and dollars.
Chuck actively participated on all the board committees, contributing greatly to fundraising events and marketing efforts.
He managed the myriad administrative, technology, database and miscellaneous duties of the organization.
In short, Chuck did it all! We will miss his dedication to the cause, his compassion for those who are less fortunate, and his consistent, positive attitude.
Best wishes to Chuck and his wife, Mary, for a long, happy, and healthy retirement!