Rosecrance is pleased to announce that longtime CEO Philip W. Eaton received the organization’s highest award Monday night, April 25, at the Rosecrance Foundation Annual Benefit.
Eaton retired at the end of 2020 after 38 years as CEO and 50 years of service to Rosecrance. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a small regional home for troubled youth to a nationally recognized behavioral healthcare leader that served nearly 50,000 individuals last year.
“Through Phil’s vision, new services were launched, new locations opened, and barriers were overcome,” said Rosecrance Foundation board member Lisa Lindman. “We can only imagine the tens of thousands of lives he impacted through his work and leadership. We’re all so grateful for Phil and his work.”
Eaton served in leadership on numerous boards, including: the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, Northern Illinois Chemical Dependency Services Network, and American College of Addiction Treatment Administrators.
He also was awarded Alumni of the Year honors from Trinity International University and Northern Illinois University, Administrator of the Year Award by the American College of Addiction Treatment Administrators, Distinguished Community Award from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford, and Ignite the Spirit Award from the Chicago Firefighters Union.
In addition, Eaton received a Behavioral Healthcare Champion honor, the NAATP Nelson J. Bradley Career Achievement Award, and was named one of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce’s “People You Should Know.”
The Castle Award recognizes individuals and families whose impact has provided exemplary leadership to advance Rosecrance’s life-giving mission. Recipients embody the spirit of visionary leaders Clarence and Millard Castle through an unparalleled commitment to Rosecrance and the individuals and families it serves.