For Immediate Release
Media contact: Anne Tucker, 312-795-3556

December 8, 2009—After 28 years of accomplished leadership, Amy Osler, executive director of The Chicago Network, has announced her plan to retire on June 30,2010. She will remain a member for life of The Chicago Network. With the six-month advance notice, the transition provides ample time for the selection of a new leader, the third in the organization’s 30-year history.

"The Chicago Network has so richly benefited from Amy Osler’s leadership,” said Cheryl Francis, Chicago Network chair. "The organization is deeply appreciative of Amy’s years of dedicated service. Her accomplishments include the expansion of the membership to close to 400 today and the long history of sold-out Women in the Forefront Luncheons featuring vibrant and luminary speakers.”

A transition committee of the board has been established to oversee the selection of the new executive director. An executive recruitment firm, DHR International, has been chosen, with the expectation that the search will conclude in the spring. Applications, nominations or inquiries may be sent to Mary Lee Montague of DHR at mmontague@dhrinternational.com.

Osler has overseen 12 years of Chicago Network Census Reports analyzing the representation of women in executive and board positions in Chicago’s largest companies. She also has launched The Network’s website and helped build a highly committed board. Osler’s finest achievement, according to Network members, is her legacy of fostering connections – the essence of The Network’s purpose. These connections enable members to increase their impact in their organizations and communities.

"Over the past 28 years I have had incredible experiences, learned so much and have watched a generation of extremely talented, focused women try to change the playing field," said Osler. "I feel lucky to have met and worked with such a stellar group, and hope they will continue to create more opportunities for women." Osler’s successor will have the benefit of working with an engaged membership and committed board.

The Network is unique in its goals and operation. Made up of the broadest range of top women leaders across all Chicago commercial, civic and nonprofit sectors, The Network’s purpose is to support the advancement of women leaders through peer networking,mutual support and issue awareness.

About The Chicago Network: The Chicago Network is an organization of Chicago’s most distinguished professional women. Now in its 31st year, The Network creates empowering relationships for women leaders that enable its members to increase their impact on their organizations and the community at large through peer networking, mutual support and issue awareness. Today, its more than 400 members are the leading women of Chicago’s business, professional, cultural, nonprofit and educational communities.