John Peller Will Step Down As CEO of AIDS Foundation
The long-time leader will conclude his 12-year tenure as CEO this December following two decades of service.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy
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John Peller, who has led the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for 12 years and served the organization for 21 years, will officially step down as CEO on December 31, 2026. He will lead his final AIDS Run & Walk in Chicago this September prior to his departure.
Why it matters
Peller's leadership has been central to the organization's mission of providing housing and healthcare access to people living with HIV. His work focused on the 'Getting to Zero' strategy, which aims to end the HIV epidemic entirely by 2030.
Peller oversaw the expansion of Medicaid to include 18,000 low-income people living with HIV and helped the annual AIDS Run & Walk raise over $6 million during its 25-year history.
The players
John Peller
He is the long-serving CEO of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago who has spent 21 years at the organization.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
This Chicago-based organization works to end the HIV epidemic through advocacy, housing, and healthcare support.
President of the United States
This is the office that was the subject of a 2025 federal lawsuit filed by Peller.
The details
Under Peller's direction, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago integrated housing as a core component of healthcare while successfully lobbying for Illinois law to decriminalize HIV transmission in 2021. Peller also actively challenged federal policy, including filing a 2025 lawsuit against the Trump administration to advocate for patient protections.
Timeline
2021: Illinois law decriminalized HIV transmission.
2025: Peller filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration.
September 2026: John Peller leads his final AIDS Run & Walk.
December 2026: John Peller steps down as CEO.
2030: The 'Getting to Zero' strategy targets the end of the HIV epidemic.
Market Landscape
Peller's tenure reflects a shift toward institutionalized advocacy where nonprofits increasingly utilize legal and policy frameworks to influence state-level health outcomes. This positions the organization as a critical intermediary in Chicago's complex landscape of public health and social service delivery.
Residents relying on the AIDS Foundation of Chicago for rent, groceries, and healthcare may experience transitions in service delivery protocols under new leadership. Continued access to these essential support services remains a priority for the organization as it moves toward the 2030 goal.
The takeaway
Peller's career underscores the necessity of combining legislative advocacy with direct social services to address complex health crises. Ensuring consistent care remains a long-term goal for the organization as it continues to work toward ending the HIV epidemic.
What happens next
John Peller will lead the annual AIDS Run & Walk in September 2026 before his scheduled resignation on December 31, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Philanthropy section of our site.
More information
For details on the upcoming event, visit the AIDS Run & Walk event information.
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Should health-focused non-profits prioritize broad social advocacy efforts alongside their direct medical services?
