Chileda Appoints Lentz CEO
April 2005

Kirby Lentz, Ed. D. was appointed as CEO for Chileda of La Crosse, Wisconsin by the Chileda Board of Directors. Sr. Mary Kathryn Fogarty, chair of the Board made the announcement Friday, April 15.

Dr. Lentz becomes the third president of Chileda, following Don Heidel’s retirement accepted by the board on April 15. Lentz received his doctorate of education leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and he has served Chileda as vice president of operations for the past 21 years. Previously, Lentz was employed by Bethphage, a multi-state human service agency with central offices in Omaha, Nebraska.

Lentz stated, “We certainly are going to follow the path of caring and educating children with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities set out by founder and retired CEO Don Heidel. The history, traditions and richness of care are paramount as we move into the future, as is organizational change.” Lentz continued, “The emphasis of Chileda will be foremost to provide state-of-the-art educational and behavioral services by an extremely competent staff in a fiscally responsible manner.”

Chileda is a residential and day program for children with developmental disabilities, specializing in the education of children with autism and concomitant behavioral challenges. Chileda has been in La Crosse since 1977 and was founded in Stevens Point in 1973.

Lentz recently had his book, “Hopes and Dreams: An IEP Guide for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” published after seeing a need for parents to become partners in the development of their child’s education plan. Dr. Lentz has presented to audiences locally and nationally.  Lentz currently serves as the President of the Onalaska School Board and is Vice Chair of the State Superintendent’s Council on Special Education.