Center’s director to leave post

Center’s director to leave post
Copyright by Gay Chicago Magazine
February 6, 2007

CHICAGO - After leading Center on Halsted through its successful campaign to build Chicago’s first LGBT community center, COH’s executive director Robbin Burr has announced her intent to leave her post following the Center’s grand opening this June.

“I’m extraordinarily pleased that we’ve had tremendous success with our fundraising campaign, construction is on schedule and our programs are expanding. I’ve met the goals and objectives I set out to accomplish for this phase of COH’s growth, and I’m looking forward to unfolding the next chapter in my career,” said Burr.

Looking toward the future, Burr and COH’s board of directors agree the timing is right for this newest transition in the Center’s development.

“Robbin’s leadership was key to making Center on Halsted a reality. She led COH’s successful efforts to triple its donor base and to solidify important relationships with numerous donors, community leaders and community organizations. As the Center plans for its next phase of programmatic growth, it makes sense for Robbin and the board to plan for an evolving leadership, too,” says COH board chair Robert Kohl. Burr concurs, “COH and the LGBT community will benefit greatly from a new leader who will shift the organizational focus to continued development and expansion of programs.”

Burr, who has been COH executive director since 2004, will continue in her role through June 30, implementing plans for the Center’s opening and assisting in the leadership transition. “I plan to stay connected and will remain active in COH’s future, both as a donor and volunteer. I’ll be available to fulfill the board’s request to lead the planning for next year’s WOW Gala [the social and fundraising event for women Burr inaugurated successfully in December 2006],” says Burr.