January 10, 2008 - VOH Board Appoints Executive Director
Board Appoints Rick Simon Executive Director

Victories of the Heart is pleased to announce that by unanimous vote its board of directors has appointed Rick Simon as the organization's first executive director, a position created in conjunction with the strategic plan adopted last year.

Rick completed the BreakThrough Weekend in 2002, the Wisdom Years Weekend in 2005, and Basic Staff Training in 2006. He has staffed all three programs. He comes to his new position after 25 years as principal in a marketing communications company. More recently, he has worked as a consultant to nonprofit organizations including ours. He is past board chair of Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music and of the North American Folk Music and Dance Alliance, while recently completing a term as vice chair of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. He has also been an active member of the Victories board since its formation several years ago.

"For Victories of the Heart, the appointment of an executive director marks a significant step towards greater sophistication and sustainability," said board chair Kurt Schultz. "It is also a tribute to the volunteers and donors who have helped us to improve and increase our resources over the past few years. We are grateful to all who have given of their time and their hearts to support our work."