YWCA Lake County hires interim CEO

GURNEE - YWCA Lake County's board of directors recently named Sylvia M. Zaldivar (Sykes) as interim chief executive officer.

Zaldivar brings over 25 years of experience in the areas of juvenile justice, child welfare, nonprofit consulting and philanthropy. She became the first full-time executive director of The Lake County Community Foundation in 2008, building its operational infrastructure; implementing bold countywide initiatives such as the Alliance for Human Services; quintupling its assets in five years; and positioning the Foundation as the go-to resource for donors and nonprofits.

Zaldivar founded Philanthropy with Impact in 2015, and is using her skills and experience to help foundations, families, nonprofits and corporations build strong communities regionally, nationally and in Latin America.

"We are more than confident in Sylvia's capabilities," said Board Chair Andrea Danks. "Her impressive background in nonprofit leadership more than qualifies her for the role. As a first-generation Cuban-American woman, Sylvia brings a wealth of personal and professional experience. Her leadership and knowledge will prove valuable during the coming months."

Zaldivar fills the vacancy left by Janice Bennett's retirement.

The board of directors has hired search firm Hollands Group to find a new CEO for YWCA Lake County.