CEO Herb Washington Featured in Elmhurst University Magazine
Elmhurst University recently highlighted our CEO Herb Washington, Class of 1997, in the “My Career Path” section of their Prospect Magazine, published in Summer 2024.
The full magazine can be read here and the article appears on page 48.
A Fateful Pivot
A change in major set the course for Herb Washington ’97 to achieve his leadership dreams.
Coming to Elmhurst in the 1990s, I felt at home away from home. I got involved in as many activities as I could: track, Union Board, choir. In each of these activities, I improved my leadership skills and learned how to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.
My initial focus was pre-med, but I pivoted when I realized that instead of studying human anatomy, I wanted to explore the cognitive and mental aspects of humans.
That’s what led me to a psychology major. Where it would take me in my career, I didn’t really know. During high school, I’d had great experiences working with young adults with disabilities. That really stuck with me.
After graduation, I joined a Chicago nonprofit organization where I helped provide support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. That laid the groundwork for the rest of my career.
I spent the next 26 years in social services, working with community organizations, companies and schools to empower people with disabilities to be fully included in all facets of life. I started as a behavior analyst and eventually oversaw programs and then moved into executive roles. That pivot to psychology at Elmhurst ended up changing my entire career trajectory, and it was the absolute best thing I have done, besides getting married and having kids.
During my first year working in the nonprofit space, I set up a vision board. My goal was to one day be a CEO of an organization that provides support to people with disabilities. Last November, I became CEO of the Center for Enriched Living in Riverwoods, Ill., which does just that. Every day has been pure joy.
I have an amazing team, which I learned back at Elmhurst is important: You need to have people who support you and challenge you to grow.
I want to continue to be a force that inspires people to make an impact and help people with disabilities. I want to be the best possible leader I can be. Then it’s time to create a new vision board.
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