The United Cerebral Palsy National office (UCP) is partnering with Dragonfly Central, Inc. to find a President and CEO (CEO). This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished executive to lead and shape the UCP’s goals and direction. We seek a strategic individual to serve as CEO: a candidate who possesses critical thinking and relationship building skills, and can build upon the organization’s existing strengths while bringing a more pronounced focus on dynamic, forward-thinking executive leadership.

United Cerebral Palsy

Since 1949, United Cerebral Palsy’s network of affiliates and partners has been committed to creating a world where people with disabilities can live life without limits. Through advocacy, research and a wide range of resources and programs, we work to promote inclusion, independence and opportunity for all. UCP has never been just an organization – it’s a force for inclusion, innovation and equity. We serve over 200K people annually, currently have 56 affiliates, and have provided over $4.5M for assistive technology in the past 10 years.

UCP’s mission is to promote the independence and inclusion of people with cerebral palsy, intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities through our network of affiliates and partnerships. We wholeheartedly desire to create a life of inclusion for any individual with disabilities. Through our network, we serve approximately 200K children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities through information and resource referral, advocacy, research, educational instruction, home- and community-based services, early intervention therapies, job coaching, integrated employment support, recreational opportunities, and community-based residential programs. We are committed to the belief that all people with disabilities should be treated as equal members of an inclusive society.

For more information about UCP, see UCP.org .

The Position

The President and CEO provides visionary leadership over all aspects of UCP, including strengthening the UCP network, expanding partnerships, and advancing the organization’s mission. Working with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will elevate UCP’s influence and impact nationwide disability policies and practices. The CEO will partner closely with the Board and affiliate network to advance and execute a strategic vision that strengthens and expands the affiliate network and drives meaningful, measurable impact for people with disabilities.

The CEO will be expected to engage and collaborate effectively with the Board of Trustees, affiliates, community partners, corporations, and government stakeholders, while providing strong oversight of day-to-day operations. Success in the role will be guided by clearly defined, measurable goals and objectives established by the Board and reflected in UCP’s strategic plan, with accountability ensured through timelines and regular reporting.

Disability policy, funding challenges, and public-sector realities shape what success looks like for UCP’s next CEO. Success will depend on the ability to create lasting, systemic impact—not just individual accomplishments. The President and CEO must effectively educate, advocate, and influence public opinion and key leaders in the Federal Government and Congress to protect and advance disability policies and funding.

Roles and Responsibilities

The next President and CEO must possess the ability to move the organization forward in a complex, evolving environment, and to motivate a diverse national network of affiliates to grow and thrive.

The role requires a strong commitment to UCP’s mission of promoting independence and inclusion for people with cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, while fully leveraging UCP’s national network of affiliates and strategic partners. Ongoing leadership in policy education and advocacy for fair, sustainable funding is critical to ensuring people with disabilities can live full lives without limits.

The relationship between the UCP National and its affiliates is a core strength. Built on trust, open communication, and collaboration, this partnership must continue and deepen. UCP’s strategic plan and long-term vision were developed jointly with affiliates, ensuring shared goals and alignment across the network.

The next CEO will be expected to build on this foundation by supporting affiliates, maintaining trust, and strengthening collaboration. With a strong leadership team in place, the role will also focus on improving financial stability by expanding corporate partnerships and sponsorships and strengthening UCP’s advocacy efforts.

Engaging affiliates as active partners in advocacy is essential. Their local knowledge and community connections will help drive national impact. A strong, two-way partnership between national leadership and affiliates will be key to UCP’s continued success.

Success in the role will be guided by clearly defined, measurable goals and objectives established by the Board and reflected in UCP’s strategic plan, with accountability ensured through timelines and regular reporting.

Experience and Attributes

The President and CEO should possess:

• Eight to ten years of executive level leadership experience, particularly in influencing public policy, strategic planning, board management, government relations, and marketing.
• A Bachelor’s degree (required); Masters’ degree preferred.
• Robust experience in the disabilities field, with a proven track record of impacting policy and services that improve the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• The ability to remain firmly grounded in UCP’s mission–promoting the independence and inclusion of people with cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities— while leveraging UCP’s national network of affiliates and strategic partnerships.
• The ability to educate policymakers and advocate for robust, equitable funding for services and supports to ensure that individuals with disabilities can live full lives without limits.
• The skills to strengthen and sustain the relationship between the UCP National Office and its affiliate network. Must continue the strong culture of listening, open communication, and trust with affiliates.
• The capacity to engage the affiliate network as active partners in advocacy, leveraging their local expertise and grassroots connections to drive national impact. Strengthening this two-way relationship – where national leadership supports affiliates and affiliates help fuel advocacy and growth – is critical to UCP’s continued success.

In addition to a competitive base salary between $225K and $275K (commensurate with experience), UCP also provides incentive opportunities and a comprehensive, attractive benefits package. The position is structured as a hybrid role with headquarters in Vienna, VA, and offers flexibility regarding the candidate’s place of residence; living in the Washington, DC area is not required, but is preferred. Office presence will be determined by the CEO’s schedule and organizational needs, considering an anticipated travel requirement of approximately 40%. There is no fixed expectation for a specific number of days in the office each week.

Application Process

United Cerebral Palsy National is partnering with Dragonfly Central, Inc. to find the best candidate for the President and CEO position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s requirements and a chronological resume to UCP@dragonflycentral.org .

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

United Cerebral Palsy is an equal opportunity employer. UCP provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital status, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. UCP is proud of its commitment to and celebration of diversity throughout all aspects of its operations, vision, mission, and leadership.

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.”