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North Suburban YMCA President/CEO Receives Statewide Y Leadership Award

Howard Schultz, President/CEO at the North Suburban YMCA, has been honored by the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs for his accomplishments and leadership. Schultz received the 2019 Illini Chief Club Award recognizing "a current Chief Executive Officer that provides extraordinary leadership to a corporate YMCA in Illinois exemplifying the YMCA's values and missions" at the Alliance's Illinois Fall Staff Rally in Champaign, Illinois. This award acknowledges cause-driven leaders within their association, community, the Y movement, and among his or her peers across the State. Schultz was one of two recipients of this award this year, the other being awarded to Gary Bublitz of the Golden Corridor Family YMCA.

"Howard has been a true professional and respected colleague to many and his legacy with the North Suburban YMCA is certainly one in accordance with all that the Illini Chief Club Award stands to recognize," said Mike Wennekamp, CEO of Two Rivers YMCA, and President of the Alliance, who presented the award. "Howard's colleagues have grown to respect him because of his advocacy for small-mid size YMCAs across the country during his many years of service to YMCA of the USA's National Committee on Membership Standards, the Small to Mid-Sized YMCA CEO Cabinet, and his outspoken regard for how changes and initiatives of Y-USA either positively or negatively affect Ys across the country when introduced."

NSYMCA Board Chair Cathy Gregory, who submitted Schultz's nomination, commended his dedication saying that Schultz's 2019 program and service initiatives made this year one of the most significant years to date. These initiatives include celebrating the North Suburban YMCA's 50th Anniversary with the launch of the 2 Seconds 2 Long swim safety program, the Diabetes Prevention Program, and the Enhance®Fitness Arthritis Management program. In her nomination, Gregory added that, "Probably Howard's greatest strength is derived from his tenacious attitude toward fund raising. Earlier this year, the Strong Kids fundraiser broke all records for gross and net dollars raised by expanding fund raising for the event to capacity and capital purposes in addition to scholarships, and increased Fund the Need by over $100,000."

Schultz, who recently announced his retirement beginning in spring of 2020, stated, "I'm so honored to be the recipient of the Illini Chief Club Award. This recognition is another example of the great support, hard work, and commitment to creating a truly purpose-driven agency by our NSYMCA staff, members, volunteers, leadership and donors."

The YMCA community is invited to congratulate Schultz at the NSYMCA's Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 16 at 5:45 pm - 7:30 pm, where he will also be recognized for his upcoming retirement in April 2020 after 13 ½ years of service as President/CEO. The meeting will also feature the installation of new Board members and officers, and recognition of longtime Y staff members.

About the North Suburban YMCA

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2018/19, the North Suburban YMCA provides individuals in Northbrook and 15 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help them become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.

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