TOGETHER, WE ARE DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 11, 2022

[St. Joseph, County, IN] - The Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region (BBBS) announces the retirement of current Regional Chief Executive Officer, William Carnegie, and the appointment of Elizabeth Leachman as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

Carnegie joined Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2019 and was tasked with expanding the reach of the organization. He led the acquisition of three Southern Michigan counties, expansion to several counties in northwestern Indiana, and, most recently, the merger effort with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Elkhart County. The organization now serves a 12-county area in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan and serves over 200 youth annually with positive mentoring relationships. Carnegie has devoted his career to service work in the nonprofit and government sectors, including 22 years in service with the U.S. Coast Guard, 25 years leading food banks, including founding the Food Bank of Northern Indiana, and serving as the CEO of an international Veterans Service Organization, which helps veterans with PTSD.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and BBBS Staff, we want to thank Bill for his leadership and impact at Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said TJ Jorgensen, BBBS Board Chair. “Bill was hired after an extensive search and interview process following the resignation and retirement of our previous CEO in St. Joseph County, who served in that position for over 30 years. While we asked Bill to handle some major tasks, including a large merger, the way he guided us through the pandemic was amazing. The Board is sincerely grateful to Bill for his dedication to BBBS and wishes him nothing but the best in his retirement.”



The Board of Directors appointed Elizabeth Leachman to interim CEO after a unanimous vote. Leachman, a South Bend local, has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters since December of 2021 as the Regional Vice President of Marketing & Development. Elizabeth previously worked with South Bend Heritage Foundation, the City of South Bend - Venues Parks & Arts, and Downtown South Bend. Leachman is passionate about youth development and philanthropic work in her community, currently serving as the Secratary on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County and volunteering her time for other local nonprofit and arts organizations, including previously being a Big Sister mentor with BBBS.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead such an incredible organization," Leachman added. "I’m looking forward to working with our staff, board, donors, and volunteers to continue making an impact on the lives of our youth.”

According to Jorgensen, Leachman is a great fit for the organization and its needs.

“Elizabeth’s passion for the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters will serve the organization extremely well in the coming years. We are excited for the energy, passion, and commitment she will bring to the agency.”

TOGETHER, WE ARE DEFENDERS OF POTENTIAL

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Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters America and provides opportunities in the community to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. In 2022, BBBS-SLMR merged with Elkhart County, broadening its scope to include twelve counties across northern Indiana and southern Michigan.

CONTACT:

TJ Jorgensen
Board Chair, Big Brothers Big Sisters Southern Lake Michigan Region
TJ@becomeabig.com
574.607.8112 ext 101

Elizabeth Leachman
Interim Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth@becomeabig.com
574.232.995