The board of directors of Community Link is pleased to announce the appointment of Breese native John A. Huelskamp as the new executive director of Community Link effective January 30^st. John Lengerman, president of the board of directors made the announcement following the December 27^th board meeting. Lengerman commented: “The search committee followed a very deliberate and transparent process in the evaluation of candidates to fill the position; the board unanimously approved the committee’s recommendation and are pleased to welcome Mr. Huelskamp, a very qualified professional, to lead our dedicated staff and volunteers in their mission of service to our clients.”

Huelskamp has had a 20-year career working in the long-term care nursing home field, most recently as the Administrator of Freeburg Care Center. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from SIU-Edwardsville and is currently participating in Master’s Degree Program for Public Administration through SIU-Edwardsville with an emphasis on non-profit organization management. He served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 to 1992. Huelskamp is a board member and current chairman of the Breese Little League and previously served on the All Saints Academy School Board.  John and his family, that includes his wife Kim, daughter Kourtney and sons Zach and Parker, reside in Breese.

Huelskamp stated, “I believe it is imperative that everyone involved understands the impact of their work and how critical the organization’s success is to the clients and the community. When all members understand and invest in the organization’s mission, it will continue to thrive during good times and bad.  I understand that this all starts with the leadership of the executive director and believe that I can provide this type of leadership to Community Link.”

Community Link, founded 39 years ago as Clinton County Rehabilitation Center, helps people with developmental disabilities, and other difficulties, achieve learning breakthroughs, find a job, live in a home of their own, and make friends. It operates two developmental training sites in Breese and one in Fairview Heights and owns and operates six group homes located in Aviston, Breese, Carlyle, Germantown and Highland. The agency’s more than 150 employees provide a full array of services, including employment support, adult day programs, service learning, small-group homes, family supports and infant programs to more than 500 individuals over ten counties in Southwestern Illinois.  Community Link has been a proud member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis since 1999.

Tags: community link, community link board of directors, john huelskamp

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 19th, 2012 at 1:02 pm and is filed under Feature Stories, Uncategorized.