‘Back To My Roots’: Turning Point Behavioral Health welcomes new CEO

(Editor’s Note: Margo Milanowski reported this story for Evanston RoundTable, a neighboring independent newsroom. It was shared with The Record as part of an ongoing collaborative effort.)

Turning Point Behavioral Health, a mental health outpatient facility in Skokie with mobile services and a crisis support “Living Room” in Evanston, welcomed new CEO Sylvia M. Zaldivar last week.

“I really feel like the skills and the successes I’ve acquired in my executive leadership roles will really help me bring a different lens and a different perspective,” Zaldivar said.

She succeeds former CEO Ann Fisher Raney, who retired at the end of June following 30 years in clinical and administrative mental health roles. Raney began her role as CEO in 2001.

Zaldivar most recently served as executive director for the Health Foundation of Cook County. There, she helped build up infrastructure, increase revenue and deepen partnerships with Cook County Health.

She also hopes these skills will “help the agency to stay focused on its mission while expanding its reach and its effectiveness in the community.”

Kistner Eddy Executive Services President and CEO Heather Eddy and Senior Project Manager Randi Blasutti led the search for Turning Point’s new executive director. The company specializes in finding leadership for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.

“Sylvia is a dynamic executive leader who brings an understanding of both the funding and operational sides of the nonprofit sector, as well as clinical mental health,” said Heather Eddy, president and CEO of KEES, in a press release. “Her extensive history of leading organizations through key growth transitions and forging meaningful stakeholder relationships makes Sylvia the perfect match for Turning Point’s mission.”

Legacy of Service

Before her leadership at the health foundation, Zaldivar also held a number of other positions in nonprofit leadership, including as executive director for the Lake County Community Foundation and Maestro Cares Foundation.

She also worked as chief development officer for WINGS, an agency serving survivors of domestic violence, and led the creation and launch of The Chicago Community Trust’s first identity-focused funds, the African American Legacy and Nuestro Futuro.

Her legacy extends beyond Illinois as well, including seven years working in Latin America as a consultant and advisor to nonprofits, foundations and families.

Before these leadership roles, Zaldivar worked as a licensed clinical professional counselor, beginning her career as a juvenile probation officer in Cook County.

“I think I just wanted to get back to my roots,” Zaldivar said of her new role at Turning Point, describing herself as a clinician by trade.

In the press release, Randy Roberts, president of the Turning Point Behavioral Health board of directors, praised Zaldivar for her work throughout her career.

Zaldivar “has stood with our neighbors on the margins — the poor, minorities, domestic violence survivors, justice involved families, immigrants and many who are at a low point in their lives,” Roberts said in the release. “Her unique blend of deep clinical experience and exceptional track record of leadership and stewarding millions in resources to create transformational initiatives makes her an excellent match to guide Turning Point Behavioral Health into its next chapter.”

The Future

Zaldivar has high aspirations for her new role and looks forward to the opportunity to “leave a different kind of mark,” she said.

These goals include expanding access and offerings, meeting people where they are and making the Turning Point building as welcoming to the people who come in as those who work there, she said.

“I’m laser focused on the end user of our work, being the community members that come to us for help,” Zaldivar said.

She also hopes to extend outreach to residents who may not feel as safe looking for help.

“I would really love to expand some of the opportunities that we have for our neighbors who are immigrants and refugees, and you know are living and working in this community.”

Zaldivar also looks forward to the opportunity to work with the team at Turning Point, especially to address changes at the federal and state levels that may impact funding levels.

These changes may be “daunting and challenging,” Zaldivar said, but she sees herself as a “glass half full person.”

“I think that there’s so much room for creativity and innovation,” she said, “and I have such a great staff to work with.”

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