The Board of Directors of Voluntary Action Center (VAC) of Northern Illinois is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Burchell as the organization's next Executive Director.

In September 2025, Executive Director Nate Kloster informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire during the summer of 2026. Since that time, the Board has been engaged in a comprehensive succession planning process, including an evaluation of the Executive Director position and the organization's senior management structure to ensure continued leadership and organizational success.

Following this process, the Board is delighted to welcome Rick Burchell to VAC.

Rick brings a strong administrative and leadership background to the organization. His professional experience includes serving as Principal of Kaneland Middle School for eight years and Director of the Fox Valley Career Center for fourteen years. Throughout his career, Rick has overseen large educational systems, cultivated meaningful partnerships with community businesses and organizations, and successfully secured numerous grants to support programs and services.

Rick and his wife, along with their family, reside in DeKalb and have longstanding ties to the community. The Board believes his extensive leadership experience, commitment to collaboration, and dedication to community service make him exceptionally well-suited to lead VAC into the future.

Rick will begin his employment with VAC on July 1, 2026, and will be heading up VAC's ongoing operations in DeKalb County, as well as in Kendall, LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties.

To ensure a seamless transition, Nate Kloster will remain with the organization through the end of July, working closely with Rick as he assumes his new responsibilities. The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Nate for his years of dedicated leadership and for his commitment to supporting a successful transition.

"The Board is excited to welcome Rick to the VAC family," said Joel Maurer, President of the Board of Directors. "His experience, vision, and strong community connections will help build upon the organization's legacy of service while positioning VAC for continued growth and impact."

About Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois
Voluntary Action Center promotes dignity, health, and self-sufficiency and reduces social isolation by providing trusted, high-quality transportation and nutrition services.

For additional information, please contact:
Lisa Meador
Human Resource Director
Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois
815-758-3932
lmeador@vacdk.org