John McNabola new executive director of The Center of Concern

July 29, 2011 – The Center of Concern, a nonprofit social service agency in Park Ridge, is pleased to announce that John B. McNabola has been chosen to serve as the organization’s new executive director.

“We are delighted to welcome John as the third executive director in the 32-year history of The Center of Concern,” said John Schumacher, president of The Center’s board of directors.  “John has been described as someone with a ‘head for business,’ a ‘heart for the nonprofit world,’ and a ‘strong commitment to serve his community.’  His commitment to service places him squarely in the tradition of leadership established by his predecessors Dee Heinrich and Mary Schurder.  The Center of Concern board looks forward to working with John as we create and sustain a vision for the agency’s future while building a solid revenue stream to support and strengthen the programs we offer to Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Niles, and surrounding communities.”

McNabola, who took over as executive director on July 5, succeeds Lea Ames, who served as the organization’s interim executive director starting in February.  Ames provided excellent stewardship during her tenure, addressing grant applications, funding challenges, and community relationships during the extensive search for a permanent executive director.

McNabola previously served as executive director/chief executive officer of St. Mary’s Services in Arlington Heights and is the president and founder of Trainor, Incorporated.  Active in the community, he served two terms on the Park Ridge Rotary board of directors.  McNabola received his B.B.A. in Finance from Loyola University Chicago and his M.B.A. in Marketing from DePaul University.

The Center of Concern provides services to seniors including case management, friendly visitors, intergenerational programming, and in-home health care referrals.  Counseling services include general counseling, grief and loss support, employment and financial counseling, legal support, and additional services ranging from income tax preparation to help navigating through Medicare and long-term insurance programs.  The housing program includes homeless prevention and transitional housing programs in addition to an award-winning home sharing program that matches home owners with extra space to individuals who need affordable housing.  More than 250 volunteers augment the staff in providing these valuable programs.

For more information about The Center, please see www.centerofconcern.org.