A Normal nonprofit that has been supporting people with developmental disabilities for 70 years has a new leader.
Karl Kopp has been named chief executive officer of Lifelong Access, beginning in June.
Former CEO Brian Wipperman abruptly left in November after five years on the job. Chief Operating Officer Rebecca Brennan has served as interim CEO since then.
Kopp brings 15 years of nonprofit leadership to his role, most recently as the executive director of Society’s Assets, a non-residential independent living center serving 3,000 people with disabilities across a four-county region in southeast Wisconsin.
“Throughout my career, I have worked to ensure people with disabilities have the support, respect and opportunities they deserve,” Kopp said in a statement. “I look forward to being part of this organization in its next chapter of impact and innovation.”
Kopp joins Lifelong Access as the agency prepares for a nearly $22 million renovation of The Pantagraph building in downtown Bloomington. The future Care Collaborative for Youth center at the site is intended to be a one-stop shop for youth and teens to access wrap-around services.
Chestnut Health Systems and the Regional Office of Education have signed on as community partners on the project.
Another significant challenge for Kopp will be navigating uncertainty amid the Trump Administration’s threats to cut Medicaid and federal grants awarded to Lifelong Access and other social service nonprofits.
“Karl’s depth of experience, heart for the mission, and strategic mindset make him the right leader for this exciting next chapter at Lifelong Access,” board chair Courtney Thomas said in a statement.
In moving to Bloomington-Normal, Kopp joins his daughter and son-in-law, who live and work in the community. Both of his adult children attended college and were student-athletes here.
“This community is vibrant, welcoming, and deeply aligned with Midwestern values,” Kopp said. “It’s a place I’m proud to be part of.”
Within Kopp’s first week on the job, Lifelong Access will host its annual golf outing, the organization’s primary fundraiser taking place June 8-9. And on June 8, a gala dinner features special guest Doug Collins and entertainment from Metamora musician Joe Stamm.
