The president and CEO of North Suburban YMCA got a surprise retirement party — social distancing-style — Thursday when staff, board members and volunteers decorated his yard and drove by his Highland Park home in a parade.
Howard Schultz retired Thursday after 13 years at YMCA located in Northbrook and 43 years working in the nonprofit world, most of which he served as CEO, Schultz told Pioneer Press the day after the celebration.
“Yesterday was an amazing display of affection,” Schultz said. “They went out of their way to do as much as they could, which, with everything going on, to do that really meant a lot.”
The North Suburban YMCA serves 15 towns north of Chicago. Under his leadership, the organization’s annual giving increased from $100,000 to over $450,000, doubled the size of its operations and pulled out of “crippling” debt, according to a YMCA news release announcing the parade.
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As of Monday, Kathy Fielding will take the helm as the North Suburban YMCA’s first woman CEO. YMCA officials announced her appointment in March.
Thursday, a caravan of vehicles lined up in Northbrook — in the parking lot of the YMCA — and made the drive to the retiring CEO’s home in Highland Park.
Staff decorated Schultz’s lawn with balloons and a “Congrats Howard” sign, which he noticed after waking up and looking outside that morning, Schultz said.
A parade of cars drove by, some honking and people shouting out of the windows “congratulations” and “we love you.” Neighbors stopped to watch, cheer and sing and dance to the iconic “YMCA” song. Others waved thank you signs, pool noodles, and other decorations to honor Schultz’s last day.
Staff delivered Lou Malnalti’s pizza for lunch, his favorite, and a gift basket, Schultz said.
“(The parade) just kept on going, it was really something,” Schultz said. “It got me choked up.”
Staff also organized a video call on the Zoom app where each took turns telling him how much he meant to them as a leader and mentor, he said. Since he announced his retirement in September 2019, Schultz said he has received letters and emails from YMCA members telling him the impact the organization has had on their lives.
“The North Suburban YMCA is a really special place and has provided services that are essential for the community and has meant so much to so many people,” he said.
The retiring executive said he plans to volunteer in the community, consult for nonprofit organizations and keep up with the statewide alliance of YMCAs. But first, he’ll take some time to “decompress.” He plans to golf, bike, practice guitar, and spend time with his wife, and hopes to see his grandchildren as soon as it is safe to travel and social distancing guidelines are lifted.
“It feels like I’m starting a new chapter,” Schultz said.