Ray Graham Association CEO decides to step back

Cathy Ficker Terrill, the president and CEO of the Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, says she has decided to pursue a reduced workload and enter into semiretirement.

The announcement comes after Ficker Terrill has spent 34 years as an advocate and practitioner in the field of developmental disabilities, including 16 years with the Downers Grove-based Ray Graham.

"I have decided that it's time to work differently," Ficker Terrill said Monday. "So I am going to be looking for something part time, still supporting people with disabilities."

The 55-year-old Elmhurst resident said she is looking forward to having more time to spend with her family. In the meantime, she will stay on in her current role for about six months to help the association recruit, hire and train her successor.

Ficker Terrill said she believes it's a good time to have someone else come in and provide new leadership.

"All of our key positions are filled," she said. "We have an excellent board of directors. We have a balanced budget. So I think the agency is in great shape. Things are very stable and healthy."

Ficker Terrill has been the Ray Graham president and CEO for 10 years. Under her leadership, Ray Graham has grown into one of the largest agencies providing service and support to nearly 2,000 individuals with disabilities at 35 locations throughout DuPage County. Services include community learning centers, early intervention, employment and transportation.

For example, Ficker Terrill said the association used to have more group homes for children. "Now we do more to support children to stay at home with their families," she said.

During Ficker Terrill's tenure Ray Graham became the first organization in the world to receive a 4-year accreditation with the Council on Quality and Leadership, a not-for-profit international group dedicated to the definition, measurement, and improvement of personal and community quality of life for people with disabilities.

"Cathy Ficker Terrill has been an extraordinary leader and advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities," said Laura Sakas, chairwoman of the Ray Graham board. "Her work has been dedicated to making life better and more fulfilling not only for clients of RGA but also for individuals with disabilities across the United States. I am honored to have worked with her and be part of the RGA family."