Brad McLaughlin. Pic by Andrew Davis________
Better Existence with HIV ( BEHIV ) recently announced a change in leadership.
According to Development Director Eric Nelson, on May 1, the board of directors and Executive Director Brad McLaughlin made a 'mutual decision' for McLaughlin to step down as head lf the organization. Nelson has been named interim executive director.
'Brad stated he wanted to pursue new and different things,' Nelson told Windy City Times when asked what caused the decision, also adding that it was a mutual decision between McLaughlin and the board. When questioned, Nelson did not know what new opportunities McLaughlin is pursuing.
'It came as a surprise to me ( and all other board members with whom I have talked ) that Brad resigned,' board member Mark Tendam said in an e-mail to Windy City Times. 'I didn't see it coming from him,' he said, adding that in recent weeks, BEHIV has been engaged in its annual gala. 'I can assure you that BEHIV has not and will not skip a beat in its service to clients and that Eric Nelson will be an excellent interim director.'
In a statement released by BEHIV announcing the change, McLaughlin said, 'My time at BEHIV has been thoroughly rewarding.'
'The Board is very grateful for the years of dedication Brad provided to BEHIV,' BEHIV Board President Scott Waller said in the statement. 'His unflinching dedication to our staff and our clients manifested itself in great successes. We thank him for all that he has done to improve the quality of life for our clients.'
Nelson also expressed excitement in getting close to finalizing BEHIV's move to a new Chicago office at 1244 W. Thorndale in Edgewater.
BEHIV is an organization headquartered in Evanston and Chicago that works to educate youth, house those impacted by HIV, deliver case management and provide testing.
E-mails to other board members for comment have not yet been returned.
