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In honor of CEO David Schimmel and his wife Debi, an anonymous, generous donor has gifted the Center $100,000 in appreciation for his years of service to the David Lawrence Centers and the mental health community. The gift was made after our beloved CEO announced his impending retirement in February, which will end his 30-year career with the Center.

Schimmel joined DLC in 1984 as Assistant Director and was appointed Executive Director in 1989. He has since formed collaborative partnerships with the community and government leaders to enhance the quality of care for those in need and has invested in the facilities, technologies and staff necessary to provide those services. Under his leadership, the organization expanded from one location to seven; the staff increased from 30 to 275 employees, with an additional 200 volunteers; and the annual operating budget grew exponentially from $1 million to $17 million. As a result, David Lawrence Centers touches the lives of more than 30,000 families today.

“David Schimmel has provided tremendous vision and leadership over the last 30 years in moving the Center forward to successfully expand and meet the significant growth of our community in an increasingly difficult fiscal environment,” added Pablo Veintimilla, President of the Board of Directors.

With nearly a year to transition to new leadership, a search committee chaired by Board Vice President Douglas Johnson, Ph.D. has been formed and a national search for Schimmel’s replacement has been initiated.

Naples Daily News editor Jeff Lytle touchingly stated that, “Via public education and advocacy Schimmel helped us see the importance of a comprehensive mental-health program to our entire community’s quality of life, including public safety. His successor will inherit an organization built and nurtured by Schimmel and visionary, generous David Lawrence Centers boards and foundations over the years.”

“Debi and I are very humbled by this generous gift. I may be retiring at year’s end, but we will always remain dedicated to furthering our mission.”

– David Schimmel, DLC CEO