Pillars President, CEO Announces Retirement

LA GRANGE, IL — Pillars President and CEO Ann C. Schreiner, AM, LCSW, plans to retire, effective Dec. 31. According to a release from the organization, Pillars is the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and social services in the western and southwestern suburbs. Schreiner has served as president and CEO since March 2012; she worked at Pillars and its predecessor agencies from 1979-1987 and again from 1991 to the present.

According to the release, under Schreiner’s leadership, Pillars has made several innovations to keep pace with evidence-based practices in behavioral health, including the launch of two community support programs that help mental health clients develop skills out in the community. Also under her leadership, Pillars became a Head Start grantee, overseeing Head Start and Early Head Start programs for 18 area zip codes.

“Ann's contributions to the communities that Pillars serves include compassionate and forceful leadership; steadfast calm and creativity in the face of our serious state budget fiscal crises; and her tireless determination to educate our population on mental illness and addiction as well as sexual and domestic violence,” Pillars Board Chair Zada Clarke said in a release. “It has been an honor to sit at her side and watch the accolades and awards roll in, recognizing Pillars as an organization of excellence. I will miss her counsel, guidance, sense of humor, and incredible spirit.”

According to the release, Schreiner informed board and staff members that she had been thinking
about retirement one year ago. However, the decision to explore a possible merger with Community Nurse Health Center delayed her announcement. While the merger talks continue, Schreiner says Pillars is thriving and has a solid future ahead, so she feels comfortable stepping away. A successor has not yet been determined.

“I have been honored to have spent 34 of my 40 years working for Pillars and its predecessor organizations,” Schreiner said in a release. “I have had the opportunity to develop my clinical and leadership skills under fabulous leadership and clinical expertise through the years. As I became CEO I have been fortunate to have wonderful board leadership and engaged board members who have always inspired me, encouraged me to stretch, and supported me as we have moved forward.”

Photo provided by Pillars.