Clearbrook names new CEO
After an extensive search conducted by the Clearbrook board of directors, Clearbrook is pleased to announce Jessica Smart as its new chief executive officer.
Smart began her role at Clearbrook in 2015 as the Director for the Commons, Clearbrook's largest intermediate care facility.
She was promoted to vice president of programs in 2019 overseeing Clearbrook's intermediate care facility.
In 2022, she was promoted to the position of executive vice president, assuming leadership responsibilities for both the Clearbrook East region and the oversight of the Quality Assurance program alongside her other existing duties.
Prior to Clearbrook, Smart worked for Marklund for 13 years. She began as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional and held various roles during her time with Marklund, including her role as the director of adult services for the last seven years of her tenure. She has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 2006 and has worked in the intermediate care facility environment for her entire career.
Smart has consistently demonstrated her ability to inspire teams, foster innovation, and most importantly a commitment to a client-centric approach that aligns seamlessly with Clearbrook's values and mission. Her strategic vision and collaborative approach will be integral in shaping the path forward.
"I am grateful for this opportunity to lead Clearbrook in this next chapter. I look forward to furthering Clearbrook's mission of empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities, hand-in-hand with the exceptional Clearbrook team," Smart said. "My intention is to further cultivate an atmosphere of collaboration and inclusivity within Clearbrook."
"Clearbrook has exciting opportunities in the years ahead, and I am confident that, with Jessica's leadership, we will continue to maintain our standards of excellence and improve the lives of those we serve," said board chair Arly Guenther.
About Clearbrook
Clearbrook is home, a family, to over 8,000 children and adults impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities. The nonprofit supports them, and their families, by providing support across the lifespan, helping them to live the fullest lives possible. Clearbrook provides personalized services for children and adults, including community day, employment, residential, and clinical services at more than 60 locations in 160 communities throughout the Chicago area and is the largest provider of home-based services in the state. We're proud of our deep expertise that spans six decades - allowing us to care for an array of unique needs. We're more than just a nonprofit, we are family, friends, a job, a way to give back, home. Employing more than 900 people, we're proud to report that 89 percent of every dollar raised goes directly into programs and services. For more information, visit www.clearbrook.org.