While it may have come as a sudden development to most, outgoing CEO of Hetlinger Developmental Services Jill Burton’s recent departure announcement has been discussed for a little over a month now.
Burton’s comments came during an interview with KVOE News Tuesday afternoon, just a few hours after she issued a news release announcing her plans to step down as CEO later this month. Burton says the decision to depart the agency she has led since 2023 was very bittersweet.
Burton says the reason for her departure was an opportunity to take a remote position that would allow her to have more time with family.
Since taking over as CEO three years ago, Burton has led the agency through several developments, including the creation of its horticultural therapy program, the return of the Carnivore Cafe at the David Traylor Zoo, cooperative partnerships with community organizations such as the Emporia Arts Center and much more. Burton says she hopes these developments in recent years will serve as a building block for the agency moving forward and its next CEO.
Burton is just the second CEO in the agency’s history, having replaced longtime leader Trudy Hutchison, who retired at the end of 2022 after a 44-year career at Hetlinger’s helm. Burton’s final day in the office will be next Friday, February 13th.
A search is currently underway to find Burton’s replacement, with Director of Operations Tammy Maley currently serving as Interim CEO until that time.
8 am Tuesday: Burton departs Hetlinger as CEO; Search currently underway to find next leader
After three years of leading Emporia’s Hetlinger Developmental Services, CEO Jill Burton has announced her departure.
Burton made the announcement via a news release Tuesday, saying, “It’s been my blessing to work with the amazing people we serve, their families and the great staff at Hetlinger. They have accomplished great things, and I am proud to have been part of the team.”
During her tenure, Burton helped to oversee several important developments for the agency, including the introduction of its horticulturist therapy program, collaborative efforts with the Emporia Arts Center, the creation of the Art and Plant Sales and the return of the Carnivore Cafe to the David Traylor Zoo. Hetlinger Board Vice President Meredith Wagner called Burton an “effective leader,” saying the board is sorry to see her leave but “grateful for her service.”
Burton is just the second CEO for the agency, having replaced longtime CEO Trudy Hutchison, who retired at the end of 2022 after 44 years with the agency. A search has begun for the next CEO, with Director of Operations Tammy Maley serving as interim CEO until a new permanent leader is found.
KVOE News has reached out to Burton for additional comment on her departure.
