Carol Simler to Retire as President & CEO of DuPagePads after 23 Years of Leadership
DuPagePads announced today that Carol Simler, the organization’s President & CEO for 23 years, has decided to retire effective June 30, 2020.
Simler first assumed leadership of DuPagePads in 1997 and became an innovator on behalf of the agency, bringing together local businesses, faith-based partners, and civic and human service agencies. During Simler’s tenure, DuPagePads went from just providing shelter to providing interim housing 365 nights a year, and from just managing homelessness to building an integrated model and system to end homelessness. DuPagePads is now an award-winning agency and flagship human service organization offering housing, coupled with support services and employment, for the citizens of DuPage County and addressing the changing needs of the homeless population countywide.
“What a privilege it has been to lead an outstanding and dedicated staff, Board of Directors, volunteers, congregations, community, and donors to unleash passion and creativity to make a change in so many lives to have a better tomorrow,” states Simler. “Ending homelessness here in DuPage County has been my life’s work for the last 23 years, and it has been my honor to serve as DuPagePads’ President and CEO.”
Simler will continue to serve the community as a member of the Board of Directors for DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform, DuPage Workforce Board, DuPage Homeless Continuum of Care, Impact DuPage Steering Committee, and VNA DuPage Advisory Board. Prior to her time at DuPagePads, Simler spent 11 years as Program Director at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Valerie Jungels, real estate consultant at Coldwell Banker Residential in Wheaton, IL, and current DuPagePads Board Chair says, “I speak on behalf of the entire Board of Directors in thanking Carol for her tireless efforts, effective and innovative strategies for transforming the lives of homeless individuals and families. It is not an exaggeration to say what a gift it has been to work with Carol. Her enthusiasm was contagious in transforming the landscape of homelessness here in DuPage County as she brought hope again to thousands of individuals by rebuilding and restoring lives. While we are thrilled for Carol in her well-deserved retirement from DuPagePads, we will miss her unwavering and energetic leadership and commitment to ending homelessness here in DuPage County. But most of all we will just miss Carol, who believes so strongly that ‘when someone believes in you, everything can change!’”
A search committee has been formed and will begin work in January 2020. DuPagePads expects to hire a new President & CEO before Simler retires.