A kind farewell to Jon Bates as he approaches his retirement from the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois (CFNIL).
Bates served as Vice President of Finance and Administration from 2008 until 2015, when he was named President. The combination of asset growth for the Foundation, strengthening of local nonprofits, and commitment to workforce development are all vital successes from his tenure.
The Workforce Connection board is honored to have a great relationship with Jon Bates and have remained humbled by his generosity to begin an endowment fund with CFNIL for the region’s workforce development.
Dr. Lisa Bly-Jones, Executive Director of The Workforce Connection, shares her farewell message: “Jon Bates was one of the first people who reached out to me when I came to the Rockford Region. He shared his passion and enthusiasm for workforce development with me early on and has continued to be a champion. Jon donated stipends he received to The Workforce Connection to further our work. His personal altruistic efforts in this work have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated! Thank you Jon Bates for supporting your local workforce board!”
