BLOOMINGTON -- The man credited with steady management of Mid Central Community Action during its growth of the past several years is retiring.
John Burrill, executive director of the agency that served about 8,000 people in McLean and Livingston counties in the past year, will retire effective June 30. He is 71.
"John has provided steady management, expertise, focus and vision to this organization and has led us to a new level in the community," said Lori Manning, Community Action board president. Manning said an executive search committee will begin its work in January.
Community Action programs include Neville House-Countering Domestic Violence, a 24-hour shelter and hotline for domestic violence victims; utility bill assistance and home weatherization; nine transitional homes for formerly homeless families; Mayor's Manor, supportive housing for people who had been homeless; and a 23-home subdivision of affordable housing called Trailside Subdivision on the site of the former Paul F. Beich Candy Co. factory.
Challenges have included funding, including a 10 percent state budget to the domestic violence program this summer, and the development of the subdivision following the candy factory fire in 2005, said Burrill, who has been with the agency since April 2001 and has been executive director since January 2003.
Highlights have included the opening of the subdivision; successful operation of Mayor's Manor; improvements at Neville House; and growth of the agency, which has a budget of $9.1 million and 70 full- and part-time employees. In 2007, Community Action moved from its longtime home at 923 E. Grove St. to larger quarters of the former Funk Seed Building, 1301 W. Washington St.
"The agency is healthy and strong," Burrill said. "It's a good time (to retire)."
Burrill; who has worked as a teacher, pharmaceutical company representative and in non-profit and charity management; plans to remain in Normal with his wife, Sue.