Chicago House Recognizes Leaders with Organizational Changes

CHICAGO, IL – Effective October 1, the Chicago House Leadership Team will expand to reflect the growing organizational need to continue serving individuals and families impacted by HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Current Chicago House Senior Program Director Josie Lynne Paul will serve as the agency’s new Chief Administrative Officer, Program Manager Michelle Minor will lead the agency’s health efforts as Director of Health, Outreach, Prevention, and Education (HOPE), and current TransLifeCare Program Associate Director Kevin Pleasant will serve as Director of the TransLife Care Program.

“As COVID-19 continues to affect our city’s most vulnerable individuals, we see firsthand the many ways these communities are disproportionately impacted. This continuity for our leadership team ensures the best services are provided for these communities,” said Chicago House CEO Michael Herman. “I am grateful for Josie, Michelle, and Kevin’s commitment to our work, and am eager to partner with them as members of our leadership team.”

With nearly two decades of social service experience, Paul joined Chicago House in 2014 to expand the TransLife Care Program (TLC). Shortly after, she was promoted to Senior Program Director, overseeing the agency’s TransLife Care, health, and medical case management programs. As Chief Administrative Officer and a member of the agency’s senior leadership team, Paul will oversee Chicago House’s property management, administrative, IT, and finance operations.

Minor has been part of the Chicago House HOPE department since 2013 and has taken on leadership roles within the department including most recently as program manager. As HOPE program director, Minor will manage the agency’s HIV care coordination, prevention, screening, and outreach efforts, which are critical in supporting the Getting to Zero Illinois Plan.

Pleasant joined Chicago House in 2014 as the TransLife Care (TLC) Program’s TransHousing manager and he was recently promoted to Associate Director of TLC. As Director, Kevin will continue to lead this innovative and comprehensive program serving transgender and gender nonconforming individuals through housing, health, employment, and legal services.

“Michelle has a history of developing innovative, accessible, and client-centered programs that I know will continue to advance Chicago House’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic and deliver high quality services to those impacted by HIV,” said Chief Program Officer Judy Perloff. “Kevin’s commitment to supporting transgender communities can be seen in how he works tirelessly and passionately to provide essential support services to address their housing, medical, and social service needs.”

Learn more about Josie Paul and the agency’s leadership team at this link.

About Chicago House

Chicago House and Social Service Agency provides housing, health, and employment services to individuals living with or most impacted by HIV/AIDS. The TransLife Care Program serves a large population of LGBTQ+ individuals in and around Chicagoland.