EXECUTIVE SEARCH

CURRENT SEARCHES

United Cerebral Palsy National – President and CEO

COMING SOON!

Paths for Families – Deputy Director

Paths for Families is partnering with Dragonfly Central, Inc. to find a Deputy Director. This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished leader to partner with the Executive Director to lead Paths for Families’ business operations, finance, and staff development. This is a new position in the organization, and we seek a candidate with experience with culture change and organizational management. This position requires a candidate who brings strength in business and operations, and will be a strategic thought partner with the Executive Director.

Paths for Families

Paths for Families was founded in 1990 by Janice Goldwater, as an adoption and family well-being organization that partners with communities dedicated to the life-long work of building and sustaining families. For over 35 years, we’ve been here for expectant parents exploring adoption, birth parents, prospective and current adoptive families, children in need of adoption, people who were adopted, and professionals in the community.

Paths for Families’ vision is that every child will grow and thrive within a caring, supportive family and community. Our values are:

We use an Ethical Approach and Center Human Dignity: We understand that each journey is different for everyone. That’s why we always do what’s right, putting the dignity of our clients first in each of our actions. When it comes to building long term, sustainable connections, we know that there aren’t shortcuts to nuanced challenges.

We foster Partnerships within Families and Communities: We’re here for the long-haul because permanency and well-being is a lifelong journey. We foster partnerships—within families, within communities, and across organizations—to create a multifaceted voice, centering those with lived from combined experiences. These invaluable partnerships support our mission of building healthy, lifelong family connections focused on the well-being of our community.

We practice IDEAS Principles (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Social Justice): We make sure everyone is fully embraced throughout the journey. Our commitment to empowering individuals across race, ethnicity, gender, and beyond is core to who we are as an organization. We work to lift oppressive structures and practices that create and maintain disparities in service for peoples who have been systematically excluded or underserved. It’s a set of ever-changing conversations and we’re here to actively take part. Our work is made up of perspectives and experiences that connect us and collectively make us stronger as individuals, families, and a community.

Paths for Families is partnered with organizations throughout the region to build a more resilient, trauma-informed, and permanency-focused community. With a focus on nurturing positive and restorative experiences, we bring dedicated, technical expertise and trauma-informed, evidence-based practices to the communities we serve. On a systemic level, we share our training with professionals in child welfare and the broader community to build trauma-responsive systems of care. For more information about Paths for Families, see PathsForFamilies.org

The Position

The Deputy Director is the second-in-command at Paths for Families, serving as the primary partner to the Executive Director (ED) in advancing the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. The Deputy Director provides leadership across operations, administration, and staff development to ensure the organization remains financially sustainable, operationally efficient, and mission-aligned. This role oversees internal operations leadership and manages key external vendors overseeing finance and HR, integrating strategy with execution and cultivating a strong, equitable workplace culture that supports staff and program excellence.

Roles and Responsibilities

Operations & Systems Leadership

Supervise the Director of IT and Operations to ensure strong performance of IT systems, data management, and operational workflows.
Monitor internal metrics and performance dashboards to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
Oversee cross-departmental systems and processes to ensure efficiency, compliance, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Collaborate with program and development leaders to integrate technology and operations solutions that support client services and fundraising.

Finance and Vendor Oversight

Manage the organization’s outsourced finance provider to ensure high-quality service delivery in budgeting, reporting, and compliance.
Oversee Accounting Specialist, ensuring accurate bookkeeping and coordination with the finance vendor.
Ensure timely and accurate preparation for audits, funder reporting, and Board Finance Committee needs.
Monitor cash flow and resource allocation to support financial sustainability.
Partner with the ED to align financial decisions with long-term strategy.

Human Resources & People Operations

Manage the organization’s outsourced HR provider to ensure compliance with labor laws, equitable policies, and consistent HR practices.
Partner with the HR provider to support recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
Champion organizational culture in partnership with the ED, ensuring policies and practices reflect trauma-informed and equity-centered values.
Provide coaching and support to internal supervisors to strengthen people management practices.

Organizational Leadership & Governance

Translate strategic priorities set by the ED and Board into operational plans for staff and vendors.
Act as a cross-functional integrator, ensuring alignment among programs, development, and operations.
Serve as second-in-command, stepping into the ED role as needed.
Support Board Finance and Operations Committee by providing accurate reports, analysis, and recommendations.

Experience and Attributes

Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, finance, or administration.
Master’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, business, or related field preferred.
Demonstrated ability to supervise senior staff, oversee external vendors, and manage cross-departmental initiatives.
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, compliance, and funder accountability.
Commitment to trauma-informed, equity-centered, and family-focused practices.
Expertise in culture change and organizational restructuring.

Preferred Competencies

Strategic Integrator – Connects vision to execution across departments and functions.
Operational Excellence – Builds efficient, compliant systems that strengthen organizational performance.
People Leadership – Develops, mentors, and retains talent while fostering a collaborative and equitable culture.
Change Leadership – Guides staff through transitions with clarity, consistency, and empathy.
Organizational Stewardship – Safeguards financial, legal, and ethical integrity while advancing mission impact.

In addition to a competitive base salary of $130 – 135K, Paths for Families also provides a comprehensive benefits package which includes access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; an FSA; Basic Life Insurance and AD&D coverage; STD and LTD; voluntary benefits; supplemental whole life insurance, an EAP, retirement plan, sick leave, paid vacation time, and holidays. This is a hybrid position with the expectation of two days in the office per week; residence within the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area is required.

Application Process

Paths for Families is partnering with Dragonfly Central Inc. to find the best candidate for the Deputy Director position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s requirements and a chronological resume to PathsForFamilies@dragonflycentral.org .

For all other inquiries, contact Ginna Goodenow at ginna@dragonflycentral.org .

Paths for Families is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment practices or service delivery on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, citizenship, marital status, creed, sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity.

RECENTLY CONCLUDED

Quality Trust – Director of Development – Morgan Meneses-Sheets

WeAchieve Inc. – Director of Employment and Day Supports – Ernest Jackson

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce WeAchieve’s new Director of Employment and Day Supports, Ernest Jackson! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at WeAchieve and are very excited to see Ernest step into this role.

With over 20 years of experience of leadership in the intellectual and developmental disabilities sector, Ernest steps into the Director of Employment and Day Supports position at WeAchieve after serving as the Director of Mentorship and Professional Growth at Chimes Maryland. He holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the College of Mount St. Joseph. With a proven track record of delivering high-quality work in case management, service coordination, family supports, employment services, and career planning, WeAchieve is confident Ernest will make an excellent leader for their Employment and Day Supports program.

In his role, Ernest will oversee the daily operations of the Employment and Day Supports programs, including ensuring all Meaningful Day supports are in alignment with local and federal regulations and individual PCP goals, and supervising and mentoring staff. WeAchieve is excited to work with Ernest to continue bringing high-quality, person-centered service delivery to the individuals they serve, and to further develop their Employment and Day Supports programs under his leadership.

WeAchieve, Inc. – Director of Residential and Personal Supports – Becki Mbure

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce WeAchieve’s new Director of Residential and Personal Supports, Becki Mbure! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at WeAchieve and are very excited to see Becki step into this role.

Becki has over 15 years of experience managing residential, rehabilitative, and personal support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses. Becki steps into the Director of Residential and Personal Supports position at WeAchieve after serving as the Director of Residential Rehabilitation Service at Sheppard Pratt.

In her role, Becki will oversee the daily operations of the Residential and Personal Supports programs to ensure high-quality, person-centered delivery utilizing her expertise in compliance with Maryland DDA regulations, LTSS funding, MSFPs, service authorizations, and management. With her commitment to fostering inclusive environments, enhancing service delivery, and supporting strategic organizational goals, WeAchieve is excited to add Becki to their leadership team and continue to develop their Residential and Personal supports programs.

The Benedictine School – Vice President of Adult Services – Travis Goldman

Dragonfly Central, Inc. is pleased to announce Benedictine’s new Vice President of Adult Services, Travis Goldman! We were humbled to partner with the leadership at Benedictine and are very excited to see Travis step into this role.

With nearly three decades of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and over 15 years as a human services leader, Travis steps into the Vice President of Adult Services position at Benedictine after serving as the Director of Residential and Personal Supports for WeAchieve, Inc. He holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Colorado State University. With a proven track record of driving organizational initiatives, program analysis and development, and innovative problem-solving, Benedictine is confident that Travis will make an excellent leader for their Adult Services team.

In his role, Travis will perform various administrative tasks, including developing new adult services programs, overseeing program implementation, implementing quality assurance systems for evaluating programs, and promoting legislative advocacy efforts. Benedictine is excited to work with Travis to continue to develop their Adult Services programs.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Business Partner, Talent Experience

National Children’s Center – Director of Nursing – Nicole Perry

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.”

Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities – Grantwriter – DaeRonda Harrison

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.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Director of Strategic Initiatives

National Children’s Center – Director of Community Living Services – Zhalikatu Kamara

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!

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Business Partner, Talent Experience – Tammy McClung, Easton Office

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.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Director of Talent Experience – Erika Broadwater Deaver

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.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Vice President of External Relations – Emily McDermott

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Director of Talent Development – Chijiaku Maduka

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.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region – Director of Development – Caroline Slobodzian

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.”

International Police Mountain Bike Association – Executive Director – Chris Strong (Interim)

National Children’s Center – Executive Director of Community Support Services – Frank Kirkland

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.

Montgomery County Food Council – Executive Director – Nanya Chiejine

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.

DC Villages Collaborative – Executive Director – Dr. Katrina Polk

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.”

Dragonfly Central