Gads Hill Center announced that Maricela Garcia will retire as Chief Executive Officer at the end of August, after 12 years of exceptional leadership and transformative impact for the Chicago non-profit organization. Under Garcia’s leadership since 2012, Gads Hill Center significantly expanded its reach and services for children and families across the Brighton Park, Chicago Lawn, North Lawndale and Pilsen communities. Key milestones during her tenure include:

• Opening new Gads Hill Center locations across the southwest side of Chicago and growing the budget from $4 million to $16 million, allowing the Center to serve over 5,000 children and families annually with bilingual, culturally competent services.

• Integrating mental health support and social justice practices into all of Gads Hill Center’s programming, helping children and youth build social-emotional well-being, resilience, and civic engagement.

• Providing critical support to working families during the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing hundreds from becoming homeless through rent/mortgage assistance, and equipping homes with technology for remote learning.

Garcia will remain at Gads Hill Center through August 31 as CEO, and will assist with the transition to new leadership. The Board has initiated a national search for the organization’s next CEO, with an emphasis on proven skills in organizational leadership, community impact, cultural competency, and resource development. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Gads Hill Center and the privilege to work with the committed and talented board, leadership team and staff here. It has been an honor to serve countless immigrant, Latino, and Black families who work hard to build a better future for their children,” said Garcia.