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The Board of Directors for Elevate Inc., a southeastern Wisconsin nonprofit specializing in substance abuse disorders and mental illness, has announced that Mary Simon, executive director, will retire in 2024.
Simon has served in the role of Executive Director for 27 years. She was first hired as Executive Director for The Council on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse of Washington County, Elevate’s predecessor, in 1996. Per the then Board of Director’s request, Simon led the merger of the Council on AODA with another Washington County nonprofit, Nova Services, which took place in 2014.
Since 1997, the nonprofit’s staff has grown from seven employees to almost 70 and its budget has ballooned from approximately $400,000 to almost $5 million. Under Simon’s leadership, the agency has grown from being able to serve individuals, families and communities in Washington County to being able to support people in eight counties in southeastern Wisconsin.
Juli Benedum, an Elevate board member since 2008 credits Elevate’s success as an agency to Simon’s leadership and dedication to the mission and to the communities served by Elevate.
“I don't think I could have predicted then how Mary's leadership would profoundly impact the growth of the agency,” Benedum shared. “Mary has taught me what it means to be a servant to the community--what resiliency and authentic compassion for others looks like. She has spent countless hours, sleeves rolled up, pitching in to take care of whatever needed to be taken care of. No task was too great or too inferior. She has worn many hats and juggled many plates, all while possessing more humility than those who have accomplished far less.”
Lisa Treinen, Elevate’s current Board of Director’s vice president, is grateful for Simon’s leadership over almost the past three decades.
“Mental health and substance use disorders touch all walks of life and all age groups,” Treinen said. “Whether or not you've had the privilege of knowing Mary personally, know that her commitment to serving individuals struggling with these disorders has made your life and your community healthier and a better place in which to live.”
A search committee for Simon’s replacement has begun the process of recruiting her replacement. At this time, a retirement date has not been determined.
Simon has agreed to provide support to her successor on a consultative basis to assure a smooth transition.
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