On Thursday, April 26 from 4-7pm, Gads Hill Center will serve as host to more than 200 community leaders, dignitaries, and community residents at its Open House. In addition to tours of the nearly 100 year old former settlement house, the Board will introduce Maricela García to the community. “The Board of Directors is very excited about bringing Maricela García to lead Gads Hill Center into the future,” stated Jorge Cazares, Board President. He added, “Ms. García has demonstrated experience leading and building organizations with vision and integrity. We look forward to embracing her vision for the future of this vital community center.”

García is the first Latina, and the sixth director in the agency’s history, to be appointed to the Chief Executive Officer position. She succeeds Barbara Castellan who led the organization for the past 19 years. A Chicago resident, Garcia comes to the organization with a strong understanding of the communities Gads Hill serves and an extensive background in nonprofit management. “I am delighted to join an organization that for more than a century has helped families make a better life. I pledge to work hard to accomplish the mission of Gads Hill so that our children and youth have the opportunity to achieve their full potential,” stated García. For more information about the organization or to RSVP to the Open House, please contact Megan Aebi at maebi@gadshillcenter.org or by phone at 312/226.0963 ext. 242.