Hope Institute seeking second new president in last year

Almost one year ago, Springfields Hope Institute for Children and Families welcomed a member of outgoing Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daleys cabinet as Hopes new president and chief executive officer.

Hope officials had hoped Chicago resident Mary Ellen Caron would be a long-term replacement for Joseph Nyre, who resigned to become a college president after almost eight years at the helm of Hope, a 55-year-old education, health and social-service agency for children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

But after 4 1/2 months on the job, Caron resigned unexpectedly last fall with no apparent job prospects elsewhere, according to Hope spokesman Mark Schmidt.

We went through a large nationwide search to find her, Schmidt said last week. We hated to see her go.

He said Caron decided on her own that the job wasnt a good fit for her.

Hopes chief financial officer, Springfield resident Clint Paul, was named interim president and CEO effective Nov. 1, and Hope officials have begun to look for someone to fill the permanent leadership post.

A search is under way, Schmidt said. The process is active and ongoing.

Springfield ties

Paul, 39, a certified public accountant who previously worked as controller for Bunn Capitol, is being considered for the permanent position.

This is an exciting time to be part of The Hope Institute, and I am pleased to have the support of our directors, trustees and an excellent staff as we move this organization forward, Paul said in a statement.

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Hope Institute seeking second new president in last year