ANIXTER CENTER ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP CHANGES

Current President and CEO Bergman to depart effective July 3; Board member Krema to serve as interim CEO pending national search

(Chicago, June 30, 2009) - Janet Anixter, chairperson of the board of the Lester and Rosalie Anixter Center, and Allan I. Bergman, Anixter Center president and CEO, announced today that Bergman will step down from his position, effective July 3. Bergman has served in this role since his appointment following a national search in 2004.

Anixter Center board member Larry Krema has been named interim CEO as the organization conducts a national search for Bergman’s replacement. Krema most recently led human resources for HUB International, a private-equity backed $1 billion insurance brokerage. While there, he saved the company $1.1 million in health care costs for 2009. Prior to that, Krema served as an executive vice president for Equity Office Properties Trust, a $3.2 billion Fortune 500 real-estate investment and operating company.

In addition to his professional positions, Krema served on the Policy Support Committee for the NEC Foundation of America (supports programs that use technology to aid people with disabilities), helping to identify and select grant winners for the organization. He has also been involved with the Make a Wish Foundation and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.

Krema’s former roles, both professional and personal, have granted him expertise in shaping and driving strategy, change management and leadership development, as well as developing best practice compensation and benefit programs – experience that positions him well to take on the role of Anixter Center CEO.

"In my time serving on Anixter Center’s board, I’ve come to respect and appreciate the work that goes into managing multiple and diverse programs, constituent groups and funding sources," said Krema. "As we search for a permanent CEO, I look forward to building on the organization’s commitment to addressing the individual needs of various populations while helping Anixter continue to operate as efficiently as possible."

"Larry’s years of experience as a human resource executive and change management consultant, combined with his knowledge of Anixter Center, will serve the organization

well as we continue our pursuit to become the premier employer and provider of disability services in Chicago and beyond," noted Janet Anixter.

Both Anixter and Bergman acknowledged that the separation was by mutual agreement and resulted from differing perspectives on the desired organizational structure for Anixter Center. Center officials praised Bergman’s dedication to excellence and loyalty to Anixter Center and the people it serves, acknowledging his achievements in board and volunteer leadership development, as well as his commitment to individualization of services and quality outcomes.

"Allan is a highly respected leader and a tireless and passionate advocate for the services and supports, as well as the legal and civil rights, that enhance the ability of individuals living with or at risk of disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in the community. We wish him well in his future endeavors," added Anixter. "He has helped Anixter Center build strong relationships with state legislators on both sides of the aisle and expand the organization’s array of innovative services and supports for persons with disabilities, despite the harsh economic environment and threat of state budget cuts."

Bergman, a lifelong advocate for and nationally-recognized thought leader on policy and "best practice" services and supports for persons with disabilities, had previously served for 12 years as director of governmental relations and the director of state-federal relations for United Cerebral Palsy Associations and for six years as president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America, both in Washington, D.C.

Bergman said, "I am confident Anixter Center will continue to build upon its 90-year history and continue to provide much-needed, high-quality individualized education, employment, life skills, communication, housing, counseling and support services that make a huge difference in the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities, their families and their communities."

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