Welcome to Cory Gumm, Search CEO
“I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of Search and have dedicated my entire professional career to supporting this mission.” –Cory Gumm, Search CEO
Search Inc. is thrilled to welcome Cory Gumm as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). She was appointed to the role on January 4, 2020. Cory’s 14-year history in the field and deep understanding of Search make her uniquely qualified, as does her passion and commitment to enriching the lives of the individuals, families, and communities that we are privileged to serve.
As Cory puts it, “Throughout the time I’ve spent working with Search with case managers, nurses, clinical staff, DSPs, families and most importantly, our program participants, I have learned that advocating and executing on behalf of the individuals we serve is the most critical part of the organization’s success.”
Cory fills the CEO position previously held by Beth Valukas, who led Search with distinction since 2012. Cory and Beth worked closely throughout the end of 2019 to ensure a smooth transition.
Cory began her career with Search as a job coach supporting individuals to achieve community employment immediately after graduating from Millikin University in 2006. She then moved on to manage Search’s Adult Learning Program in Mount Prospect until 2010, and then took on the role of Senior Project Manager at Keystone Alliance.
During her time at Keystone she earned her Masters in Nonprofit Business Administration from North Park University, and worked to onboard Keystone’s first partner organization, PACTT Learning Center, in addition to leading several other strategic initiatives supporting Keystone’s affiliate agencies. Cory most recently served as Senior Division Director at Keystone for the past two years.
Fun fact – Cory has been on four Search for Adventure trips, including Memphis, New York City and the Grand Canyon. She hopes to go on another trip in 2020!
Cory says that in the near term, “Search will continue to build upon its successes in the areas of employment, community life, healthcare, behavioral support, self-advocacy and disability awareness. Supporting individuals to find the right job, give back to their communities, have fun, stay healthy and live self-directed lives is at the core of what we do, and that work will move forward.”
Welcome Cory! We are excited to have you leading Search into the new decade and beyond.