Little City names Rich Bobby as new chief executive officer

Little City is delighted to announce Rich Bobby as its new chief executive officer during an exciting time of growth for the Palatine-based agency that serves children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

With 25 years of human services experience, including 12 years at Little City, most recently as chief operating officer, Bobby has overseen operations for all Little City’s programs and support services, serving children, youth and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Rich exemplifies the commitment and compassion Little City values in its leaders,” said Greg Burns, chairman of the Little City board of directors. “His dedication to creating a better future for children and adults with developmental disabilities has helped grow Little City into what it is today and his genuine care for the families we serve has permeated throughout the entire agency.”

Bobby joined Little City in 2012, as the director of the Center for Family & Community-Based Services overseeing Little City’s Foster Care & Adoption, Community Clinical Services, and Home-Based Services. In December 2014, he became the chief program officer of Adult Services, later transitioned to become the chief program officer of Children’s Services and was named chief operating officer in 2023.

“It is my greatest honor and privilege to have the support of Little City’s board of directors in entrusting me to lead Little City into the future alongside an incredible team of professionals,” Bobby said. “I am fully committed with our team to continue carrying the torch ignited by Little City’s founding families: to ensure that the individuals and families we serve are better off and enjoy the highest quality of life because of our work together.”

Prior to joining Little City, Bobby spent several years in special education, child welfare and protective services, children’s residential services, in-home family services, and foster care and adoption services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northern Illinois University, a Masters of Social Work from the University of South Florida, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

Little City serves nearly 1,000 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing residential, educational, recreational, arts, horticulture, employment services, community mental health, and foster care & adoption services. With locations in Palatine, Schaumburg, Grayslake, Chicago, Matteson and Joliet, Little City brings vital programs to people throughout the state.

For information, visit littlecity.org or contact Ann Morris at amorris@littlecity.org.