A five-year executive at a flagship organization serving people with disabilities in McLean County has been replaced without explanation.
Brian Wipperman, hired to be the CEO of Lifelong Access in Normal in 2019, is no longer in the role as of Tuesday, according to a brief statement from the nonprofit's board of directors.
"Brian has played a vital role in advancing our mission and has been integral to our growth and success. We sincerely thank him for his dedication and commitment during his time with the organization," the statement read.
Lifelong Access chief of staff Leni Kuntz said the organization would not comment further on the circumstances that led to the change in leadership.
Rebecca Brennan, the organization's chief operating officer, is now serving as interim CEO. Kuntz said a search for a permanent CEO is underway.
Wipperman became CEO at Lifelong Access after two years as the vice president of education at the Children's Home Association of Illinois in Peoria. His tenure at Lifelong Access included a number of changes at the organization, including updating its name and kicking off a joint effort with Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education #17 to provide youth services in downtown Bloomington come 2026.
Wipperman joined the McLean County Chamber of Commerce's board of directors in 2022; the chamber has not responded to a request for comment on Wipperman's status with the organization.
As Lifelong Access's CEO, Wipperman also was part of McLean County's Behavioral Health Coordinating Council [BHCC].
BHCC director Marita Landreth told WGLT that Brennan will replace Wipperman in representing the organization on the advisory body tasked with fostering public-private relationships and making changes to the county's Mental Health Action Plan.
Lifelong Access provides a range of services for children, teenagers and adults with developmental disabilities, ranging from pediatric therapy to high school transition programming and supported employment services. Started in 1955, the nonprofit advertises itself as the largest pediatric therapy service provider in McLean County.
