The Arc congratulates Mary Kay on her new position! We will certainly miss her leadership
here in Illinois.
Tony
MARY KAY RIZZOLO WILL LEAD CQL
AS THE NEW PRESIDENT & CEO
The Council on Quality and Leadership announced on November 6th, 2015 that its Board
of Directors has selected Mary Kay Rizzolo, Ph.D. as President and Chief Executive
Officer effective January 19th, 2016. Ms. Rizzolo comes to CQL with decades of expertise
in improving the quality of life and quality of supports for people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses and older adults.
“Her qualifications and contributions to the field make her the perfect fit for CQL’s
mission, vision and values,” says Bill Beattie, CQL Board Chairperson. “Mary Kay’s
stellar reputation is exemplified in more than 20 years of experience in diverse leadership
roles, operational management, budget oversight, quality metrics, strategic planning and
product development.”
Most recently, Ms. Rizzolo has served as the Associate Director of the Institute on
Disability and Human Development (IDHD) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and
Clinical Associate Professor for their Department of Disability and Human Development.
She has also been a Policy Mentor for the Illinois Leadership and Education in
Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) Program, Director of Evaluation for
the Family Support Research and Training Center, and a member of the State of the
States in Developmental Disabilities Project. In addition, Mary Kay is the author of more
than 50 book chapters, journal articles and reports, and is considered a national expert
on long-term services and supports.
“I’m honored to lead this highly-respected international organization to consistently set
the bar in person-centeredness for human services,” says Rizzolo. “We will continue to
develop cutting-edge approaches, and establish best practices that put innovative ideas
into action.”
“There is no one more suited for this position,” says Cathy Ficker Terrill, retiring
President and CEO of CQL. “Mary Kay will strengthen CQL’s focus on the identification,
achievement and measurement of individual outcomes, through her creative outlook
and bold leadership.”
The Council on Quality and Leadership is dedicated to the definition, measurement
and improvement of personal quality of life for people receiving human services and
supports, by providing training, accreditation and consultation.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@thearcofil.org
