Tracy Wright appointed CEO of Gateway Services

PRINCETON — Gateway Services Inc. has announced the appointment of Tracy Wright as its new CEO.

Wright assumed her new responsibilities on Dec. 13. She succeeds Jeffrey Dean, who resigned from his position in July.

Wright has been a part of Gateway Services for 25 years, working in a number of positions within adult services before being promoted to director of community services in September 2008 and then vice president of community services in 2010.

She has a wealth of experience in the field that will help Gateway Services move forward. She has shown positive leadership throughout her work experience and, most important, a passion for the field of human services.

“I am excited to have this opportunity to continue working with a strong management team and dedicated staff as we keep moving forward,” Wright said.

“My goal is to exceed the expectations of those who receive services and their families. They deserve the best, and that is defined by each person. Some want to ensure they are healthy and safe; others want real relationships with family and friends; some want to have a paying job, while others want to volunteer and give back to their community,” she said.

“One common theme is that individuals want to be empowered to make decisions about their lives, and that is why Gateway Services exists.”

Wright is a Henry native living in Ladd with her fiancé, Ed Johnston. They share three children and six grandsons. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston.

Gateway Services Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides services to adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in Bureau, Marshall and Putnam counties.

Gateway aims to provide guidance tailored to individuals’ abilities in order for them to live as independently as possible.

Gateway Services originated in 1970 with one program. Gateway now has nine programs, approximately 120 staff, three office buildings and six group homes, and it serves as the administrator for BPART (Bureau-Putnam Area Rural Transit).