Pictured Michael Cook at a Chicago House benefit ( left ) and at the AIDS Walk in 2003. Photos by Tracy Baim
Howard Brown Health Center ( HBHC ) has chosen the head of a non-denominational West Side center as its new executive director.
Michael C. Cook, the current executive director of Interfaith House—a non-denominational facility that provides emergency housing and support to ill and injured homeless adults—has been named to lead HBHC.
He will become its president and CEO effective Oct. 24.
According to an HBHC press release, Cook is a longtime advocate for LGBT and human rights. He has been elected to such positions as president of the ACLU of Illinois, chairman of the board of Chicago House, and a member of the board of directors of the Point Foundation. He currently serves on the national board of directors of the ACLU and is a member of the governing board of the Chicago Continuum of Care. He has received numerous awards for his work, including Howard Brown's Friend for Life Award, Chicago House's Founder's Award, Bailiwick Theater's Trailblazer Award and the ACLU's John Hammell Award for support of the LGBT and AIDS Projects.
'We are pleased to have Michael Cook join Howard Brown as our president and CEO,' said Jon Hinard, Howard Brown Board chairman. 'He has been a great friend to Howard Brown through the years and an advocate for the LGBT community and HIV/AIDS healthcare, and it was our good fortune to find such a highly qualified candidate right here in Chicago. Michael's a proven leader with strong character and a deep knowledge of our community, and I believe that his experience will be the catalyst we are looking for to lead Howard Brown.'
Before joining Interfaith House, Cook practiced law for more than 20 years, most recently as a partner in the law firm of Ross & Hardies. His other positions included partnerships in the law firms of McCullough, Campbell & Lane as well as Peterson & Ross. He also served as a law clerk to U.S. Circuit Court Judge Herbert Choy.
'I am very excited to join Howard Brown,' said Cook. 'It will be both a challenge and honor to lead an organization with such an important history and ongoing significance in LGBT healthcare, wellness, research, and advocacy. I have long admired the dedication of the staff and board and their focus on the Howard Brown mission, and I look forward to working with them and the entire community in continuing this very important work.'
HBHC Executive Director Keith Waterbrook resigned several weeks ago.
