Reception Honoring Clete Winkelmann
The United Methodist Children's Home held a reception and celebration in honor of Mr. Clete Winkelmann, President and CEO, on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. Mr. Winkelmann was honored for his service and dedication to UMCH.
Mr. Clete Winkelmann
Mr. Winkelmann has been with UMCH since 2000, serving initially as the Chief Operating Officer and has been the CEO / President since 2003. Under Mr. Winkelmann’s leadership, UMCH has seen significant growth in the number of children and families served through several new programs and initiatives, such as YouthBuild, Quest School, and Professional Foster Care. The organization has also expanded to four operating sites within Jefferson and Marion Counties; and increased the number of staff positions to 105 full-time employees. In addition, UMCH has maintained Medicaid certification and accreditation from the Council on Accreditation (COA) and EAGLE (Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading Towards Excellence).
Mr. Winklemann has also been active in the local community through his involvement as a board member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; past president and active member of Mt. Vernon Rotary West Club; steering committee member of Mission Possible Coalition; member of 2nd Judicial Circuit Juvenile Justice Council; and steering committee member of the statewide Foster Kids are Our Kids campaign. Mr. Winkelmann is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Vernon and is also a member of the church’s Administrative Council.
The United Methodist Children’s Home Board of Directors regretfully accepted the resignation of Clete Winkelmann, CEO / President effective April 10, 2009. Mr. Winkelmann has accepted the CEO position at the Children’s Home Association of Illinois, located in Peoria, which is one of the largest and most reputable social service agencies in state.
“Clete Winkelmann’s departure from UMCH will certainly be a major loss for the agency. Clete’s understanding of child and family services, his leadership in program development, his commitment to excellence, his awareness and vision of what child and family services could and should be, and the respect he has earned among his peers throughout the state and nation will certainly be missed,” according to Dr. Billy G. Dixon, Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors.