Allan I. Bergman is named president and CEO
of Chicago's Anixter Center

CHICAGO (June 11, 2004) — Allan I. Bergman, most recently president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America, Inc., in McLean, Va., has been named the new president and CEO of Anixter Center, one of the region’s largest nonprofit organizations assisting people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community and the city’s 13th-largest charitable organization*. Previously, Mr. Bergman spent 12 years with United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., in Washington, D.C.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to build on the grand history and successes of Anixter Center,” says Bergman. “We will, however, not rest on our laurels. We will strive to provide the best possible and most cost-effective approaches to services and supports that enhance the independence, productivity and community participation for children and adults with disabilities.”

Rita Bakewell, chair of Anixter Center’s board of directors, emphasizes that Bergman will bring to Anixter Center extensive experience in the field of disability rights as well as a national perspective on the field. Additionally, she says, “Allan has demonstrated strengths in advocacy, and his expertise will be particularly valuable in light of the current funding environment.”

Bergman is a nationally recognized leader and expert on disability rights, services and advocacy, and he worked towards the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law in 1990. He will be moving from his home in Rockville, Md., to join Anixter Center this summer. Bergman was chosen from among a group of candidates yielded by a national search. He takes over the leadership role from Stuart G. Ferst who will retire on June 30 of this year after 35 years at Anixter Center, the past 20 of those as president and CEO.

*Crain’s Chicago Business, March 1, 2004

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The mission of the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center is to assist people with disabilities to live and work successfully in the community. Anixter Center is a leading provider of high-quality vocational, residential and educational options, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and health care. Anixter Center is an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities to be full and equal members of the community.