Debbie Reed, 1965-2024: President/CEO dedicated nearly three decades to Chaddock

QUINCY — Debbie Reed, president and CEO of Chaddock for the past 12 years, died on Thursday.

Reed, 58, had worked for Chaddock since 1994, also serving as chief operating officer, director of planning and special projects, director of marketing and associate director of public relations and marketing. She was named chief operating officer in September 2004 and was second in command to then-president Gene Simon. 

A press release from Chaddock on Friday morning said, “Debbie dedicated nearly three decades of her life to Chaddock, leaving an incredible mark as a charismatic and passionate leader. Throughout her distinguished career, she brought joy to our staff and everyone she came into contact with. 

“Her unwavering commitment to the Chaddock mission and values made her a beloved figure among colleagues and community members alike. Debbie’s leadership was characterized by her ability to inspire and empower those around her. It is largely because of Debbie’s innovative mindset that Chaddock has grown to be well-known and respected around the world.”

Chaddock is a not-for-profit, multiservice health and human service organization serving at-risk children and young adults up to age 21, and their families, from throughout the U.S. Chaddock’s 30-acre campus in Quincy provides five residential cottages, an accredited school, a chapel and recreational facilities, including an indoor swimming pool and gymnasium.

Reed appeared on Muddy River News This Week with Muddy River News Publisher Bob Gough in February 2023 to talk about Chaddock’s 170^th anniversary and its impact on the community.

Reed’s career started with the American Lung Association of Eastern Missouri as a public relations coordinator in July 1986. She then became the marketing coordinator at Savings of America of St. Louis in March 1988. In January 1989, Reed came to Quincy and started the DDR Group, a marketing communications firm focusing on clients in the non-profit sector. She owned that business for five years.

Reed also served as chair of the national board of the United Methodist Association, on the board of the Illinois Great Rivers Alliance, and the child welfare advisory committee for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She recently was the keynote speaker for the United Methodist Association. 

She also was an active member of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce and previously served as board chair. She frequently presented at conferences on topics such as leadership, strategic planning, innovation, quality assurance, marketing and faith-based business accountability. She served as facilitator of the Nonprofit Leadership Academy, instilling leadership wisdom and confidence in up-and-coming community leaders.

She was the author of two books — “Attachment Theory in Action: Building Connections Between Children and Parents,” published in December 2017, and “Lessons from the Toughest Kids,” published in December 2019. She also wrote a weekly leadership blog at reedaboutleadership.wordpress.com.

Reed earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Drake University, a master’s degree in leadership from Bellevue University, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from Concordia University.

Reed and her husband, Brennan, were married for more than 30 years. They had two sons, Tanner and Landon.