New leader at Bethel New Life named

Lori R. Vallelunga, Ph.D., has been selected by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors to serve as the third president and CEO of Bethel New Life, a community development corporation founded in 1979 that serves more than 8,000 families on Chicago’s West Side each year.

Vallelunga comes to Bethel from The Hope Institute for Children and Families where she most recently served as senior vice president of strategic development. She was responsible for the development, implementation, management and evaluation of programs to deliver educational, residential and health services to 29,000 children with multiple developmental disabilities across Illinois.

Vallelunga began her career as a clinical psychologist serving the Humboldt Park neighborhood and has held key leadership positions with medical and social service organizations in Chicago, Chicago Heights, South Chicago and Springfield.

She was identified by Bethel’s board through a national search that was conducted by Rick King, president and CEO of Kittleman & Associates.

“Dr. Vallelunga is passionate about Bethel’s mission and has an impressive track record of visionary servant-leadership, high quality service delivery and proven business acumen,” said Nat Piggee, chairman of Bethel’s Board of Directors. “The whole Bethel family is pleased to welcome Dr. Vallelunga and is looking forward to working under her leadership on behalf of the families we serve.”

Vallelunga replaces Steven McCullough, who left to become chief operating officer of The Safer Foundation.

“Bethel New Life has had tremendous impact on the families that it serves and on its community,” said Vallelunga. “I am honored to join Bethel New Life and to have the opportunity to build upon the great work Bethel has done, to expand Bethel’s impact, and to work with Bethel’s remarkable Board, staff, supporters and volunteers.”

Vallelunga’s first day was May 16.