A Firm Belief in Professional Development

When asked why he started the fund, Dick expressed a firm belief in the value of self-improvement. This belief stems from a long and incredibly successful career as a financial professional. He credits many professional development opportunities with helping him to advance in his career.

Dick’s career began in 1950 after graduating from the University of Illinois. Dick received advice from a successful accountant named John Conrad to move to Rockford, IL, where there was plenty of work. He took his advice and began his career working as a public accountant for six years. Although he had to spend 21 months in the service during that time, he was still able to take advantage of professional development opportunities while he served.

After six years of public accounting, Dick took a job with Woodward Governor as the Assistant Treasurer. He worked hard in the role and used educational seminars available through the Universities of Illinois and Wisconsin to grow his skills. As a result, he became the president of the organization after only six years and served in the role for nearly a decade.

Dick’s passion for continuous improvement prompted him to leave Woodward Governor after a disagreement with the board of directors about the direction of the company. The directors didn’t want the company to try new things, but Dick knew that was the only way to grow.



He took his passion for growth to the Barber Colman Company, where he started out as a division head but advanced to the role of Chief Financial Officer in less than two years. His incredibly successful 16-year tenure at the company is just another testament to what a commitment to professional development can accomplish.

A Deep Appreciation for Wesley Willows

Dick Leighton decided to establish this endowment for Wesley Willows employees because he appreciates the excellent work they do. He also believes in their potential to do even better!

Dick and his wife, Grace, became residents of Wesley Willows in 2009. They were drawn to the senior living community because of how clean and well-kept the grounds were. They also liked that they could move into a custom-built Willow Ridge Home. The living arrangement allowed them to maintain an independent lifestyle while also enjoying the many amenities and activities available on campus.

They were especially enamored with the friendly atmosphere created by the staff members and residents. The Leightons loved living in this environment and always appreciated the constant professionalism of the workers who served them.

Grace passed away in 2014 after 64 years of marriage. Dick remained in their home for four more years before moving into the assisted living facility on campus called Willows Arbor.

Once again, Dick was thrilled by the support he received from the Willows Arbor staff. He enjoyed that they offered plenty of engaging activities and loved the peace of mind he had, knowing on-campus nurses were always available.

Time and again, the staff exceeded Dick’s expectations for excellent service, which is why he remains a resident to this day.

A Generous Gift for Ongoing Improvement

The Dick & Grace Leighton Professional Development Fund is a permanent endowment that will benefit Wesley Willows employees for generations to come. Dick likes the permanence of the endowment because he wants to make an ongoing difference at the place that he’s loved to live for so many years.

Dick wants to help the Wesley Willows organization develop and grow from within. He ultimately desires for Wesley Willows not just to stay the number four ranked Continuing Care Retirement Community in Illinois, but to keep climbing the rankings.

The earnings from the fund will allow this to happen by supporting several initiatives for employees, including:

• Leading Edge Leadership Development Academy for Executives
• Leading Edge Annual National and Illinois Conferences for Managers
• Supervisory Skills Coaching Program for Supervisors
• Employee Tuition Reimbursement Programs for Nursing Studies, General Studies, and Continued Education Credits

Dick encourages all Wesley Willows employees to take advantage of these opportunities if they have an interest in self-improvement. “I want all Wesley Willows employees to have the aspiration to be the next CEO of Wesley Willows,” he says. He also invites people to donate to the fund if they believe in helping Wesley Willows continue to get better.

The leadership team at Wesley Willows is exceedingly grateful to Mr. Leighton for his generous gift. “This endowment will go a long way in helping our team members achieve their career goals,” says Frances Salinas, President and CEO of Wesley Willows. “We all love caring for Dick and appreciate his exceedingly kind support for our community.”

Want to Help Wesley Willows Employees?

The Dick & Grace Leighton Professional Development Fund relies on gifts from generous people like Dick Leighton to support Wesley Willows employees. Gifts to this fund are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Would you like to donate to the endowment? You can do so by visiting the Give page on the Wesley Willows website and designating your gift to the Dick & Grace Leighton Professional Development Fund.