Passing the Torch CEO RICH SCHUTT TO RETIRE, LEAVING A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
The Board of Providence Life Services express- es its deep gratitude to Richard Schutt on the an- nouncement of his retirement as our long-term CEO. Rich has led the organization as CEO since 1986, and previously served as a Campus Administrator dating back to 1976. The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich’s successor, William De Young. Beginning in January of 2025, Bill De Young will assume the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization. In the spring of 2023, the Board of Providence formed a Search Committee to manage the leader- ship transition of Rich Schutt, who was planning his retirement for the end of 2024. Given Rich’s exten- sive career with Providence, the Board felt it would be important to carefully plan for the transition. “It’s not often an organization is blessed with almost 50 years of leadership, as is the case with Rich,” says Paul Buikema, Providence’s Board Chair. “The Search Committee considered pursuing both internal and external candidate options, but it quick- ly became obvious Providence had the perfect candi- date within its current employ.” Bill De Young originally began working for Prov- dence on December 26, 1995. He has been the Chief Operations Officer for the last 8 years and has guided the organization’s mission throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his Chief Oper- ations role, he was Providence Life Services’ Chief Financial Officer for 21 years. Bill’s commitment to
the Providence’ mis- sion led the Search Committee to ask him to consider the CEO role upon Schutt’s re- tirement. It was clear from Bill’s history and commitment he was the ideal candidate to lead the organization into the future. During his tenure at Providence, Bill DeYoung became well
RICH SCHUTT Providence Life Services, CEO, since 1986
BILL DEYOUNG Providence Life Services, COO.
known in the Aging Services field. He has Chaired the Leading Age Illinois State Association and served on that organization’s Board and committees for many years. Bill was instrumental in the formation of Caring Communities, an insurance captive, which provides coverage to non-profit organizations in Ag- ing Services. After Caring Communities formation, Bill continued in various Board leadership roles for over 20 years. Bill De Young, Barry VanderGenugten (Provi- dence’s CFO), and Rich Schutt have operated as a team for over 20 years. “Bill was originally my manager when I started at Providence 20 years ago,” Barry says. “When he became the COO, I shifted my responsibilities, becoming the Chief Financial Offi- cer. Our sense of partnership and common mission
6 PROVIDENCE MAGAZINE | Issue No. 2
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