The Benedictine School is partnering with Dragonfly Central Inc. (DCI) to find a compassionate Vice President of Adult Services to oversee the daily operations of the school’s Adult Services program, part of a larger organization serving people with developmental disabilities, autism, and severe and multiple challenges.

About The Benedictine School

Benedictine is a non-sectarian nonprofit service provider. The year-round educational program is one of only 22 nationwide to earn a four-year accreditation from the National Commission for Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES). This program includes home-like living and learning options on the Ridgely, Maryland campus, for children ages 5 to 21 who come from Maryland and surrounding states. Benedictine also has 4 student group homes located in Caroline and Talbot Counties.

Benedictine currently supports close to 200 children and adults – serving individuals from all over the state and Mid-Atlantic region, and is one of the Eastern Shore’s largest nonprofit employers with 375 employees.

For more information about The Benedictine School, please visit https://benschool.org/

The Position

The Vice President of Adult Services will provide leadership to all aspects of the Adult Services Program in Maryland. The Vice President is responsible for the management and fiscal sustainability of the Program to ensure current and future success for residential and meaningful day services for adults with developmental disabilities supported by Benedictine. Adult services include day habitation, residential, community living, and workforce development programs. The Vice President of Adult Services is a member of the executive leadership team along with the directors of Finance, HR, Operations, Foundation, and Education, and has 7 direct reports.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Vice President of Adult Services will provide leadership to all aspects of Benedictine’s residential and day services for adults, with a focus on promoting person centeredness, independence and growth. The Vice President is also responsible for the budget of Adult Services programs, and will maintain contracts with the various state agencies. Other responsibilities include:

• Oversight of program implementation and development of new programs to include expansion into new waiver services.
• Oversee the implementation of the CQL recommendations.
• Oversight of development and implementation of quality assurance systems for evaluating programs.
• Oversight and development of administrative policies and procedures.
• Oversight to ensure all facilities meet licensing requirements from the various state regulatory agencies.
• Experience with strategic and communication plans including implementation and evaluation
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and promote legislative advocacy efforts for Adult Services.
• Effectively collaborate with executive leadership including Finance, HR, Operations, Advancement, Education and Foundation Directors.
• Assist in the development of the strategic plan for the organization.
• Support with fundraising efforts for Benedictine.
• Assist in the development of community partnership opportunities

The base salary for this position will be $120K, and includes a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, life insurance, and a 403b savings plan.

Experience and Attributes

• 7+ years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s required, Master’s degree in a related field preferred. Experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Out of the box thinking to diversify into new waiver services, and expand existing service models including meaningful day and residential.
• Extensive experience in program and fiscal management, especially providing services to persons with developmental disabilities.
• Experience developing new programs and overseeing implementation.
• Familiarity with state regulatory agencies and their requirements for DD community services.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with private and public institutions, employees, supported individuals and their families.
• Proven organizational skills and work habits that are results oriented.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Experience with individual donors, foundation and government grants a strong plus.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Other Desired Qualifications

• Experience ensuring that all facilities meet licensing requirements from the various state regulatory agencies.
• Experience with developing community partnership opportunities a plus.
• Effective collaboration skills internally and externally.

Other Requirements

• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check through CJJIS.
• Must be able to speak and hear clearly.
• Must have functional range of motion in arms, hands and fingers.

Application Process

To apply, please send a cover letter that details how your experience fits the requirements of the Vice President of Adult Services position, and a chronological resume to Benedictine@dragonflycentral.org .

For other inquiries, contact Ginna Goodenow at ginna@dragonflycentral.org . Resume reviews begin immediately.

The Benedictine School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law.

Dragonfly Central, Inc, is pleased to announce National Children’s Center’s new Director of Nursing, Nicole Perry! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at NCC and are very excited to see Nicole step into this role.

Nicole steps into the Director of Nursing position at NCC after serving as a Nurse Manager for Gaudenzia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ashford University, attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and is on her way to becoming a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

Nicole is thrilled to bring her passion for behavioral health, addiction medicine, and mental health treatment to NCC. With experience in nursing leadership, care coordination, and quality assurance, Nicole is committed to fostering a culture of excellence in patient care. “Throughout my career, I have led nursing operations across multiple facilities, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving strategic initiatives, and empowering healthcare teams to provide the highest level of care. My expertise in patient-centered care, crisis management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and culture evolution will support NCC’s ongoing mission of providing exceptional services to individuals of all abilities.

I am honored to be part of NCC and eager to collaborate with this dedicated team. Together, we will build upon NCC’s legacy and continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve. I look forward to leading with innovation, compassion, and excellence as we take NCC to even greater heights.”

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities’ new Grantwriter, DaeRonda Harrison! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at Quality Trust and are very excited to see DaeRonda step into this role.

With over a decade of experience in grant writing, DaeRonda has secured over $45 million in government, foundation, and corporate grant funds in her career. She joins the Quality Trust team from her service of over a decade as a Grantwriter and Reasearch consultant for the June First Firm. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Ashford University. DaeRonda is excited to bring her skills in prospect research, grant writing, and program advocacy to support Quality Trust’s mission.

In her role, DaeRonda will conduct research on prospective grant opportunities, maintain a grant information database, and create, coordinate the budget of, and submit all grant proposals. Quality Trust is excited to work with DaeRonda to secure grants to support the individuals they serve with disabilities.

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce the National Children’s Center’s new Director of Community Living Services, Zhalikatu Kamara! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the National Children’s Center and are very excited to see Zhali step into this role.

Zhali has over 15 years experience working in the human services field at the National Children’s Center (NCC), and steps into the Director of Community Living Services role from her previous position as NCC’s Assistant Director of Quality Improvement, where she served for 3 ½ years. Previously, she has also worked at NCC as an Incident and Quality Improvement Manager, a Critical Incident Manager, a Quality Improvement Manager, and a Program Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from the University of Maryland. The NCC is confident Zhali’s expertise in leadership, analytical skills, quality management systems, strategic policy development, and operational excellence will strengthen their Community Support Services team.

In her new role at NCC, Zhali will oversee the operation and management of residential programs for adults with intellectual disabilities and provide high-quality care and support, promoting these individuals independence, well-being, and community integration. The National Children’s Center is proud to continue to grow alongside Zhali in her new position!

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s new Business Partner for Talent Experience, Tammy McClung! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at The Arc and are very excited to see Tammy step into this role.

Tammy is a human resources professional with over 30 years of experience– she was most recently the Director of Compliance at Dove Pointe, but prior served as the Human Resources Manager at Delmarva Community Services, Inc. for 5 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Western Governors University. Tammy excels at driving critical workforce management initiatives, organizational development, and aligning HR strategies with business goals.

In her role, Tammy will provide human resources expertise to assist the Arc’s People & Culture department in fostering an inclusive company culture and facilitating key organizational initiatives.

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s new Director of Talent Experience, Erika Broadwater Deaver! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at The Arc and are very excited to see Erika step into this role.

With over 30 years of human resources experience, Erika comes to The Arc from the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR), where she worked for over 5 years serving as President and CEO. With a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Cheyney University and twelve HR and training certifications, including membership at the Global Center of Excellence, The Arc is confident Erika’s expertise in leadership, recruitment, and operational development will strengthen their Talent Experience team.

In her role, Erika will oversee both employee relation processes and employee engagement initiatives, while supporting the development, well-being and effectiveness of all The Arc’s employees.

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s new Director of Talent Development, Chijaku Maduka! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the National Children’s Center and are very excited to see C.J. step into this role.

With over a decade of experience in talent development, C.J. began his work in the nonprofit sector with The Arc of the United States as a Leadership Development Intern. C.J. steps into the Director of Talent Development after serving as the Director of Campus Training, Development & Operations for Every Nation. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Sciences with a concentration in Organizational Management from George Washington University. With a track record in implementing comprehensive learning strategies and collaborating with diverse teams to enhance employee engagement, The Arc is confident C. J. will make an excellent addition to their Talent Development team.

In his role, C.J. will lead all learning and development activities for The Arc, including designing high-quality training content and programs, evaluating learning outcomes, and coaching employees.

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is excited to announce The Arc Central Chesapeake Region’s new Director of Development, Caroline Slobodzian! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at The Arc and are excited to see Caroline step into this role.

Caroline is an experienced fundraiser with nearly 25 years of development experience, and comes to The Arc from the Clean Water Action Fund in Washington, DC, where she worked for over 13 years. Caroline brings key leadership, fundraising, and development skills to The Arc’s growing External Relations team.

“Caroline has extensive experience in development and takes a strategic approach to fundraising,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. “Caroline is excited to support our diverse work throughout the community and work with stakeholders throughout our enterprise to foster a culture of philanthropy.”

In her role, Caroline will maximize opportunities for engagement and growth, ensure effective and inspiring development initiatives, and  support diverse revenue streams through traditional and innovative strategies. The Arc is confident that the addition of Caroline to the team will enhance its efforts to  support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, innovate services, and advocate for a more inclusive community.”

Dragonfly Central is pleased to announce the National Children’s Center’s new Executive
Director, Frank Kirkland! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the organization and
were very excited to see Frank step into this role on May 10th.
A chosen senior management leader in disability services, Frank brings an extensive professional
background that encompasses clinical psychology, outreach, and comprehensive operations
across residential, day, and employment programs. Prior to joining NCC, he served as Executive
Director at The Linwood Center, and as Vice President of Quality Supports with The Arc Baltimore.
His strategic acumen, demonstrated through his certification in person-centered thinking, has
significantly impacted federally funded services across multiple states, advancing transformative
projects to enhance the lives of individuals with differing abilities.

Dragonfly Central, Inc. (DCI) is thrilled to announce Montgomery County Food Council’s next Executive Director, Nanya Chiejine!  We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the council and are very excited to see Nanya step into this role on February 1st, 2024.  

Prior to this role, Nanya served as Director for Well Connected Communities at National 4-H Council, and has over 13 years of experience in public health practice with a strong background in program evaluation, research, and public policy. She has worked with state agencies, academic institutions, and non-profits to implement and evaluate health programs and initiatives focused on improving health care delivery, reducing health inequities and addressing social determinants of health. She brings a robust experience in public health leadership, implementation of policies to reduce health disparities and translation of data into policy formulation and systems change.

Nanya comes from National 4-H Council as Director for Well Connected Communities where she is building the capacity of Cooperative Extension to implement policy, systems and environment changes that reduce food insecurity across 50 communities nationwide. She leads 23 land grant universities (LGUs) to implement Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being through evidence-based strategies interventions that improve health and well-being through community engagement and multi-sector partnerships.

Nanya previously served as Associate Director at Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development where she led quality improvement initiatives for the Government of the District of Columbia Developmental Disabilities Administration to improve workforce development and health care delivery to DC residents with intellectual and development disabilities. Prior to that role, served at the Michigan Department of Community Health, where she led a state-wide program for children with special needs. Her passion for reducing health disparities has had her engaged in global health, where she worked with an international NGO to evaluate the impact of interventions designed to eliminate infectious diseases in Northern Nigeria.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Environmental Health from the University of Michigan. She is currently a Bloomberg Scholar in Food Systems at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Nanya resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

Dragonfly Central, Inc is thrilled to announce DC Villages’ Inaugural Executive Director,  Dr. Katrina Polk! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at the collaborative and are very excited to see Katrina step into this role this month.

Dr. Katt, as she is known, has spent the past two decades working on issues at the heart of aging in the community. She earned her doctorate in public policy and administration from Walden University and holds multiple certificates and credentials in project management, aging and wellness, and gerontology. In her new role, Dr. Katt will lead collaborative efforts among the 13 DC Villages, working closely with leaders of existing Villages and exploring expansion of the Village concept into underserved areas of the city.

Professionally, Dr. Katt has led public and private-sector organizations focused on serving older adults, including developing programs for aging in community at the Community Preservation and Development Corp.; building strategic alliances for affordable housing at Enterprise Community Partners; and, most recently, overseeing community and aging services for the city of District Heights in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Dr. Katt also founded Dynamic Solutions for the Aging, a social enterprise firm focused on solutions for the health and housing industries, with a focus on aging and community development. She was appointed co-chair of the Housing Domain for Age-Friendly DC and sits on the AARP DC Executive Council.

“Since early 2000, I have studied, co-designed, and co-led community-driven service networks, from Philadelphia to Virginia’s Tidewater region. The Village model is highly flexible and well-suited to the delivery of services and connections that people benefit from as they age in their community,” said Polk. “I am excited by the work the District’s Villages have achieved over the years, and I look forward to supporting their collaborative work transforming aging in the city.”