MCCORMICK TRIBUNE FOUNDATION CEO RICHARD BEHRENHAUSEN TO RETIRE
Board Names David Grange as Successor
Media contact:
Kristin Gallagher
312-222-4502
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CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2005
The McCormick Tribune Foundation has announced the retirement of Richard A. Behrenhausen from the position of president and chief executive officer effective Sept. 1, 2005. Behrenhausen, a respected leader throughout Chicago’s philanthropic community, has been with the foundation since 1991 and has served in his current capacity since 1999.
“It has been a great privilege to lead such a dynamic and impactful organization dedicated to supporting the needs of our children, community and country,” said Behrenhausen. “If our benefactor, Colonel McCormick were alive today, he would be most proud.”
Behrenhausen retires with an impressive legacy. He spearheaded the foundation’s communities program, an innovative model that leverages the knowledge and local presence of 47 partners nationwide to stimulate grassroots directed giving. To date the communities program has awarded $617 million in grants to local and national organizations.
“Dick has provided invaluable leadership and unwavering commitment to the foundation,” said Dennis FitzSimons, chairman of the McCormick Tribune Foundation’s board of directors. “His vision and initiative have helped create a unique and powerful philanthropic model that has enhanced the foundation’s giving, both in Chicago and nationally.”
Behrenhausen entered the nonprofit world from the military. He served in the U.S. Army for more than 30 years, retiring in 1991 as a Brigadier General. He currently serves on the board of directors of the National Strategy Forum of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations and the Association of Graduates at the United States Military Academy. Upon retirement, Behrenhausen will reside in El Paso, Texas.
Succeeding Behrenhausen is David L. Grange, who has served as the foundation’s executive vice president and chief operating officer since 1999. Grange came to the foundation after 30 years of service in the U.S. Army with his final position as Commanding General of the First Infantry Division. Grange has recently been inducted into the U.S. Army’s elite Ranger Hall of Fame for his accomplishments. Grange currently serves on the board of governors of the Center on Philanthropy and has been a national security analyst for CNN, WGN and CLTV.
“All of us at the foundation are indebted to Dick for the leadership, counsel and support he has provided throughout his distinguished philanthropic service,” said Grange. “Dick has set and met the highest of standards and we are committed to continuing his good work in Chicago and around the world.”
About the McCormick Tribune Foundation
The McCormick Tribune Foundation is one of the nation’s largest charitable organizations, with combined assets of close to $1.5 billion. In 2004 the foundation approved the distribution of more than $109 million to invest in communities, address human needs and promote the ideals of a democratic society through innovative partnerships. The foundation, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2005, was first established as a charitable trust upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune.
The foundation provides assistance in four program areas — communities, education, journalism and citizenship — and funds a special initiatives program. Through its grants, the foundation seeks to improve the social and economic environment; encourage a free and responsible discussion of issues affecting the nation; enhance the effectiveness of American education; and stimulate responsible citizenship. For more information, visit
http://www.mccormicktribune.org/.
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