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Jason Brawner, left, who recently resigned as CEO of Barnabas Foundation Inc., is succeeded by John Tillack.
SBJ file photo; Photo provided by Barnabas Foundation Inc.
Jason Brawner, left, who recently resigned as CEO of Barnabas Foundation Inc., is succeeded by John Tillack.

Barnabas Foundation quickly installs new CEO

Posted online

After serving less than a month as interim CEO, John Tillack is the new permanent leader for Barnabas Foundation Inc.

The Barnabas Foundation Board of Directors selected Tillack, who was hired in March as executive director of Barnabas’ Prep and Life programs. He had served in the interim CEO post since July 31, after Jason Brawner resigned from the top leadership position at the nonprofit.

“I’ve closely followed the growth and expansion of this powerful ministry for years and have really enjoyed my time with Barnabas Prep and Barnabas Life,” Tillack said in a news release. “I am excited to lead a vibrant and passionate team who has consistently shown their love and heart for the last 24 years. There is a great need for the services the Barnabas family of ministries provides. I look forward to helping the organization grow and continue to excel in disability ministry.”

Prior to starting at Barnabas, Tillack served for 15 years as chief development officer and vice president of advancement for Kids Across America, according to the release. He also has past experience as vice president of communications for Promise Keepers and regional marketing manager for MCI.

Board Chairman David Ross said the position was advertised for two weeks. He declined to disclose the number of applicants and salary amount.

Brawner, who started at Barnabas Foundation as director of operations in late 2009 before becoming CEO in 2012, gave notice July 11 of his intent to leave the nonprofit. It was a decision he said he struggled with right up until the day of the announcement. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his decision, as he said he was regularly putting in 60-80 hours a week over the last three years. The number of hours worked per week increased during the summer when Camp Barnabas was in session, he added.

“Camp is very consuming,” he said. “You’re spending 16-20 hours a day doing camp stuff, making sure everyone, campers and missionaries, are having the greatest experience.”

Brawner stressed he isn’t complaining about the amount of work, as he called Barnabas Foundation “an amazing organization.” He just realized that his life was getting consumed by work and keeping him away from his wife and three children.

“My family time has been suffering,” he said. “It was a really, really tough decision. It’s like I preach to the people at Barnabas, family wins out every time. … We all have our expiration date at Barnabas.”

Brawner said he’s taking a couple of months before making a decision on his next career move. Currently, he said he’s “diving head deep” into his family life, including taking his children to school and getting involved in their sports and activities.  

“I’ve made some good decisions so that I can take some time off,” he said. “Right now and through September, I’m focusing on my family.”

Brawner was among the 20 honorees for Springfield Business Journal’s annual Men of the Year awards. During his time as CEO at the nonprofit, Barnabas Foundation’s annual operating revenue grew to $4.3 million from $1.8 million. Its signature Camp Barnabas for children with disabilities has grown to over 2,000 campers served by 3,000 volunteers and 33 full-time employees, according to his Men of the Year profile.

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