Rockford’s nonprofit community gathered the evening of June 18 to learn about the challenges ahead, but also to celebrate a well-deserved retirement and new chapter for the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
After 22 years, NICNE founder and CEO Pam Clark Reidenbach will be passing to baton to two members of staff — Chief Operating Officer Billie Callahan and program coordinator Deanna Mershon — who have been named co-directors for the organization charged with helping Rockford area nonprofits succeed.
“We are excited because what they bring is their history and understanding of our work, with incredible tenacity,” said NICNE Board Vice Chair Ron Clewer. “I and the board are incredibly thankful that Pam hired two amazing people to come work alongside her to help advance the mission and work of NICNE.”
Callahan has served as the Chief Operating Officer for the past seven years. Mershon has led the Rockford Area Case Management Initiative through NICNE.
“As we look to the future, our vision for NICNE is rooted in both continuity and growth,” Callahan said. “We will always champion collaboration, belonging, and innovation because we know that lasting changes come when people work together toward a shared purpose.”
“We see this as a moment to listen more deeply, serve more effectively and make sure this community continues to shape the work we do together,” Mershon said.
NICNE began in 2004 with an idea Reidenbach and a colleague brought to Jeff Fahrenwald, then a Rockford University professor.
The organization was launched and for the past 22 years, Reidenbach has been at its helm.
“While the mission of NICNE has evolved, Pam has never strayed from the mission,” said Fahrenwald, who now works as a vice president at SupplyCore Inc. and is the current NICNE board chair.
Before NICNE, Reidenbach served the community at local nonprofits like Northwest Community Center and the YWCA.
“I believe deeply in the power of the nonprofit sector,” Reidenbach said. “I was raised with the idea that committed people working together with purpose can do almost anything to strengthen communities, address our most significant issues and improve lives in lasting ways.
“As I retire, I leave with wonderful memories, lasting friendships and a deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve alongside our members.”
Clewer described Reidenbach as a friend, a colleague, and an “instigator of good trouble.”
“This community has never been short of new ideas,” Clewer said. “One thing that NICNE has never been short of is figuring out what to do with those ideas.”
Andrew Wright is a freelance contributor to the Rockford Register Star.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Rockford’s nonprofit community celebrates retiring and new leaders
Reporting by Andrew Wright, Special to the Rockford Register Star / Rockford Register Star
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By Andrew Wright, Special to the Rockford Register Star | USA TODAY Network
