October 2, 2020 Dear Avenues friend, It is with deep, heartfelt gratitude for his 43 years of service, that the Board of Directors announces Robert Okazaki’s retirement as the President/CEO of Avenues to Independence. During his 43 year tenure, the last 37 as President/CEO, Bob has played a critical role in the development and success of our organization.  We will miss him, along with his valued leadership, and wish him the best in his retirement. Over the past nine months, the Avenues Board of Directors has been engaged in a search for Bob’s successor. With the assistance of Kittleman & Associates, we are pleased to announce that our search has concluded and we will be appointing Jason Clark as the new President/CEO of Avenues, effective October 5, 2020. (Please see the attached information to learn more about Jason.)         A transition plan is being established that will provide Jason the opportunity to work with Bob to become familiar with the operations of Avenues to Independence.  Bob will assume an Emeritus role upon his retirement on October 31. Again, we cannot thank Bob enough for the dedication, passion, enthusiasm and motivation he has given Avenues to Independence during the past 43 years. He will be greatly missed by the individuals we support, our families, staff, Board members, volunteers, donors and so many others.  Sincerely,

Jolene Wise, Chair Avenues Board of Directors

The Avenues to Independence Board of Directors is pleased to announce that, following a nationwide search, disabilities professional Jason M. Clark has been named as the next President & Chief Executive Officer of Avenues to Independence, effective Monday, October 5, 2020.  Motivated by helping people with disabilities achieve their personal goals and outcomes, Jason brings more than 20 years of experience working in nonprofit organizations in the State of Illinois.

Most recently, Jason served for six years as the Chief Program Officer of Adult Services at Little City Foundation, a $30 million agency serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, where he ensured that Little City Foundation’s programs and services enhanced the quality of life for all individuals served. While at Little City Foundation, Jason provided leadership to more than 370 staff members across adult residential, community day and employment programs. He was instrumental in growing revenues six-fold in supported employment programs between FY15 and FY20.  Jason served previously as Director of Employment & Day Services at Sertoma Center, an $11 Million agency serving people with disabilities. Prior to this, Jason served as Director of Developmental Disability Services at the Pioneer Center for Human Services. Jason represents an understanding of Developmental Disability services at all levels, as he began his career as a Direct Service Professional serving children at The Larkin Center in 1997. Importantly, Jason brings a deep respect for all professionals at Avenues to Independence, asserting that this success will be guided by his desire to listen and understand. Jason notes, “I am extremely excited and honored to be joining a team whose mission is so person-centered and focused. Bob Okazaki and the Avenues team have created a very strong culture that I am grateful to be a part of going forward.” Jason was born and raised in Elgin, Illinois, and has raised his two teenaged sons in Bartlett. Jason is a former marathoner, an avid Cubs and Bears fan, and his favorite pastime is watching his son play basketball. Jason earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Northern Illinois University and his Master’s degree in Management from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Please join us in warmly welcoming Jason Clark to the Avenues to Independence community!

Jolene Wise Board Chair

Jill Liska Search Committee Chair

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