Today the Division on Developmental Disabilities Director, Greg Fenton, announced that he will be retiring May 31, 2018. Director Fenton has been a great friend to the Arc and people with disabilities and families across Illinois. He has been incredibly accessible to families throughout the years especially at Arc Conventions and Speak Up Speak Out and worked to engage families throughout his time in Illinois. We wish him the all the best and look forward to working with him to continue to improve the intellectual and developmental disabilities service system between now and the end of May.
Here is his announcement:
Dear DD Team Members, Colleagues, Friends and Family Members:
I wanted you to hear directly from me that I am officially retiring from state service on Thursday, May 31, 2018. I want you to know that it has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve as the Division Director for the past three years. This decision was not an easy one, but rather one that took a great deal of consideration. Many have told me that when it’s time to leave, you’ll know it. And I believe that is true because I feel it in my heart and in my soul.
Reflecting back on my years with the Division, it is quite apparent how rewarding and enriching an experience it has been. Rarely does a day go by when I don’t count my blessings for being given the opportunity to serve you. And for that I want to publicly thank Secretary Dimas for giving me the opportunity to lead this wonderful organization during this important time in the Division’s history.
In my remaining days, I look forward to working closely with all of you to finalize as many projects as I can. I also plan to get to as many locations as I possibly can to say goodbye and to thank you for your many contributions to the system and the people we serve. I have had the privilege of working with so many caring and committed people who inspired me each and every day and provided regular reminders of the power and beauty of the human spirit. Your passion for our important work has been a constant source of inspiration.
As we finalize details about the transition, we will of course keep all of you up to date to ensure the transition is transparent and seamless. I want to thank you all for your unwavering support over the years and I trust that you will continue to support the Division during this upcoming transition.
Thank you for your patience with me and thank you for the opportunity to grow with you.
Respectfully,
Greg Fenton
Director
Division of Developmental Disabilities
600 East Ash Street, Building 400
Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 782-3075
(217) 782-6803
Meg Cooch
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
Meg@thearcofil.org