Sep 27, 2017
(Chicago) – Numerous organizations and colleagues are honoring Peter Palanca as he retires as TASC’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. Following 40 years in the field of addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, including 14 years with TASC, Palanca has garnered abounding tributes for his career of service.
A longtime board member and past board chair of the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA)—now the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH)—Palanca was honored at the association’s 50th anniversary gala dinner on September 7.
“Peter leads with love,” said TASC President Pam Rodriguezduring the IABH event. Recognizing Palanca for his passion for connecting with people—from clients to staff to colleagues to students to fellow commuters—wherever he goes, she said, “We thank you for all you have done for TASC, for the field, for the clients whose lives you’ve touched, and for all the people you have taught and mentored.”
“People’s lives change every single day because of the work we do,” said Palanca as he reflected on his years of service. “That’s the opportunity we have in this field—to change people’s lives.”
The IABH dinner was emceed by Robert Jordan, retired WGN news anchor, who was among Palanca’s friends, family members, and colleagues who filled the room at the Chicago Marriott Naperville. Speakers offered touching tributes and humorous roasts, including a special “car pool karaoke” video by IABH CEO Sara Howe and board members.
On September 20, the Illinois Association of Addiction Professionals held its annual awards luncheon at the Ukranian Cultural Center in Chicago, where IAAP President Jim Goldingand association members also recognized Palanca for his profound and tireless commitment to addiction recovery.
On October 7, Vantage Clinical Consulting will honor Palanca at its Advocate for Recovery Awards dinner at the Grand Lux Café on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. This black-tie event will recognize the accomplishments and leadership of professionals, organizations, public figures, and community members in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.
At TASC, Palanca has led strategic planning, development, service enhancement, and diversification efforts since 2003, and most recently has guided the introduction of outpatient treatment to TASC’s array of services. Prior to joining TASC, Palanca established his career in the field of prevention, treatment, and recovery, serving as executive director and regional vice president with Hazelden Foundation in Chicago, executive director with Parkside Behavioral Health Services in Chicago, and deputy director of the Illinois Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. Additionally, he developed and led adolescent behavioral healthcare programs at South Suburban Council on Alcoholism, Ingalls Memorial Hospital, and Lutheran Center for Substance Abuse. He also began the Region II Operation Snowball, a youth and adult partnership that provides awareness and prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.
Co-chair of the National Association of Children of Addiction(NACoA) and board member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), Palanca also remains a senior lecturer and chairman of the advisory board of the Governors State University Addictions Studies and Behavioral Health Department.
