Jim Ernst to retire after 35 years

One year ago, Jim Ernst announced his intention to retire in 2014. The Four Oaks Board of Directors selected longtime staff member Anne Gruenewald as the next CEO and began planning for the transition. Jim will be officially retiring and stepping down as CEO on May 1. Anne will then assume the role of CEO and be fully responsible for the leadership of the Four Oaks enterprise. 

Anne has been a part of the Four Oaks team for over 30 years and is prepared to carry the organization into the future.

Over the past 35 years Jim Ernst has been the driving force behind Four Oaks’ mission: to assure that children become successful adults. Jim has lead the Four Oaks Enterprise from a small residential facility serving 10 boys to an agency with locations in 16 Iowa cities, serving nearly 15,000 children and families each year. 

In parting, Jim shares, "You are in great hands as we move forward, the future is very bright." 

The Four Oaks Board is hosting a Retirement Open House in Jim’s honor on May 1 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Four Oaks Smith Center located at 5400 Kirkwood Blvd. SW in Cedar Rapids. All are welcome and encouraged to attend the celebration.