Longtime Community House staffer Dan Janowick has been named executive director of the organization.
Mary Blue Henneman, chair of The Community House’s board of trustees, announced last week in an email that the board’s executive committee had unanimously tapped Janowick to succeed Annie Krug.
“I am thrilled to officially announce the appointment of Dan Janowick to the role,” she stated, adding that Feb. 3 was Janowick’s first day on the job.
Henneman cited Janowick’s strong leadership skills and his 15 years working in the organization, the last two as director of operations, as key factors in the committee’s decision.
“Dan is familiar with nearly every facet of the organization and its offerings. As director of operations, Dan has helped to drive significant growth in programming and has proven his ability to lead and develop an outstanding team. Additionally, Dan has also shown himself very capable of leading the entire organization by successfully stepping into the interim executive director’s role in the past,” she wrote.
Janowick joined The Community House staff as program director in 2006, then served as director of programs and facilities from 2008-18, at which time he was elevated to director of operations. He served as interim executive director on two occasions — for nine months in 2009 and again in the five months prior to Krug’s arrival in April 2018.
Krug abruptly resigned her post last month, and Henneman indicated in her emailed announcement that she left to pursue professional writing opportunities.
“Writing has always been (Krug’s) passion, and she now has a unique opportunity to turn this passion into a full-time career,” Henneman stated.
Janowick said he is humbled by the opportunity to be The Community House’s top administrator.
“Having worked under three of the four executive directors in the history of the organization has allowed me to already have a deep appreciation for what community service looks like. Hinsdale and the surrounding communities have become my second home, and knowing the skills of our talented staff and having seen the dedication of our board of trustees has helped me hit the ground running,” he said.
Janowick expressed his intent to listen to suggestions regarding the agency’s deployment of energy and services.
“For me, the idea of providing services and opportunities to build strong individuals and communities isn’t just part of the job, it’s a personal passion that I think we all share for our own families and communities. I want to help strengthen The Community House to continue to have this kind of unique impact for decades to come,” he said.
