Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) Executive Director Greg Hipp recently announced after six years with the not-for-profit organization, he will be leaving at the end of October for a leadership role with Chicago Event Management Inc., the producers of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
“Serving as CARA’s Executive Director has been the greatest opportunity of my professional life,” Hipp said. "The organization is advancing its mission and is in a great position for continued growth. I’m confident CARA’s Board of Directors and the incoming Executive Director can achieve even greater impacts. The support of our membership and the running community has been outstanding. I thank you all for allowing me to serve CARA in so many ways over the past six plus years. I look forward to supporting CARA in the future as a member.”
Hipp has been with CARA since July of 2015, originally joining the staff as Manager, Road Race Services, later becoming Director, Events and Marketing, before elevating to Executive Director in July of 2017.
“Ascending from being the Events Director to Executive Director was the pivotal moment when Greg had the opportunity for the greatest impact with CARA,” said Kerl LaJeune, CARA Board President “His strong financial management and attention to detail proved extremely valuable for an organization managing not only the challenges of a pandemic but also working to maintain the morale of staff, partners and our membership. Through Greg’s leadership as the ED, with strategic guidance from the Board, CARA has been able to elevate the perception of the organization, help expand our outreach efforts with partners in the running industry and garner support from the running community, city and residents at large. The Board of Directors sends Greg our heartfelt gratitude as well as our best wishes for his next endeavor.”
Hipp will remain with CARA through the end of October to provide a transition period before taking on a new leadership role with Chicago Event Management Inc., the producers of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
The Chicago Area Runners Association Board of Directors is currently conducting an extensive search for a new Executive Director, in preparation for Hipp’s departure later this year. Interested parties should access the job description HERE and reach out to the CARA Board President Kerl LaJeune at BoardofDirectors@CARAruns.org with any inquiries. A review of applications will begin immediately, with intent to hire expeditiously.