Ragdale Executive Director Will Step Down

Susan Page Tillett, executive director at The Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest, recently announced her resignation after 12 years.

Tillett has guided the non-profit organization through three capital campaigns, including the recent renovation of the historic Ragdale House, architect Howard Van Doren Shaw’s original summer home, built in 1897. Her departure is effective June 30.

“The Ragdale House is reopening, the Foundation is thriving, and it is time for me to devote my energies to other projects,” said Tillett. “When I arrived at Ragdale in January, 2000, I found an organization with the compelling mission of supporting artists as they created new work, located on a beautiful, historic property. Those things are still the heart of Ragdale today. The past 12 ½ years have been spent securing this vision for the long-term future.”

During this period, Tillett strengthened the organization on several fronts - the Board, staff, finances and the physical space. The Ragdale Board of Trustees includes prominent members of the Chicago and North Shore corporate, non-profit and arts communities.

The professional staff now consists of experienced directors of development, artists-in-residence program, communications/programs and property. Ragdale has raised more than $10 million in the past decade and has also significantly expanded its endowment.

Ragdale has a national reputation as one of the premier artist retreats in the country, attracting distinguished artists and writers from the east and west coasts, Midwest and Chicago area. Artists arrive at Ragdale every two weeks throughout the year and are offered the time and space to do their creative work.

The search committee is already working with the executive search firm, Salcon, led by Sheila Leahy of Lake Bluff, to identify and screen candidates in the coming months. A new director could be identified by July.

For more information, visit www.ragdale.org or call (847) 234-1063 x. 205.

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