Chicago Cares Announces New Executive Director

CHICAGO, March 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicago Cares (CCI) today announced the appointment of Bridget Altenburg to the position of Executive Director. As Chicago Cares' senior executive, Altenburg will be responsible for leading the non-profit organization's efforts to meet Chicago's critical needs through volunteer service. The organization employs more than 40 professionals and has an annual operating budget of $3.5 million. Chicago Cares supports over 200 monthly group volunteer service projects and corporate volunteer events.

"We are very excited to have found someone with Bridget's exceptional leadership skills and experience," said Leslie Bluhm, Chicago Cares founder and board member. "Her long and diverse commitment to service in the military, corporate and non-profit sectors make her uniquely qualified to lead Chicago Cares in our next 20 years of volunteer service to Chicago."

Chicago Cares is the city's premier nonprofit volunteer service organization. Founded in April 1991, the organization engages individuals and corporations in volunteer service by creating and leading innovative programs that help address Chicago's needs in education, the environment, hunger, health & wellness, and senior services. As Chicago Cares celebrates its 20th year, the organization plans to expand its impact on volunteer service by building a more informed and active volunteer base to increase service in Chicago and beyond.  

Bridget Altenburg comes to CCI from the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL), a non-profit teacher training and school turnaround organization where she led its fundraising, marketing and communications activities. During this time, AUSL was recognized by President Obama as a national model for school improvement.  Prior to AUSL, she was the Chief of Staff at Bally Total Fitness where she worked closely with the CEO and senior staff to implement its turnaround strategy before the company was sold to Harbinger Capital.

Bridget began her career as an Engineer Officer in the US Army after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. She served in the military for five years, including three deployments to the former Yugoslavia to enforce the Dayton Peace Accords. After leaving the military, she earned an MBA from Columbia Business School in New York City.  

SOURCE Chicago Cares