Executive director leaving People's Resource Center

After more than six years at the helm, Kim Perez is leaving the People's Resource Center to become president and CEO of an Evanston-based adoption agency.

Perez has worked at the Wheaton nonprofit since 2010. In that time, she has contributed to the organization's expansion, leading a capital campaign to establish a new permanent facility that opened last year in Westmont.

"It was a bit heart-wrenching to make the choice to leave," she said. "It's been an amazing growth opportunity for me and I have learned so much about the power of community. It's a really, really special place."

Perez's last day with the People's Resource Center is Nov. 23. She will start her new job at The Cradle in early December.

Perez said she is excited to work for an organization that is focused on children services, but she will miss all the board and staff members, volunteers and clients at PRC.

"I truly believe our clients, our volunteers, and our communities are better and have grown because of her leadership," board President Mark Demich said in a statement. "It is also an exciting time to begin strategically imagining the next chapter in PRC's over 40-year legacy in serving the needs of the community."

Linda Cheatham, the center's director of operations, will serve as interim executive director until a successor is named. She has worked for the organization for 21 years and Perez said she is well-positioned to "keep PRC on its really strong and steady course."

The board of directors will be contracting with an executive hiring firm soon to conduct a search for Perez's permanent replacement.

"I know PRC has great things ahead and I will always be a front row cheerleader for the organization," Perez said.