Dragonfly Central

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find an Assistant Director of Talent Experience. The Director will be responsible for leading employee relations, engagement, and retention strategies across The Arc in partnership with the Director of Talent Experience.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Enterprise

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) began in 1961, founded by a group of parents who wanted equity, access, and opportunity for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At our core, The Arc believes that people with IDD deserve the same opportunities for self-determination and self-advocacy as any other community member. The Arc’s growth over the last six decades has been in response to community-identified needs. We are providing—and often creating—the services that people tell us they need to live the life they choose for themselves.

Today, The Arc supports more than 3,000 people with IDD and their families throughout Maryland, providing comprehensive programs and services that support the full spectrum of a person’s life, from birth through retirement, and all the joys and opportunities in between. All our programs and services are designed to empower and support people with IDD and provide greater self-determination in how they live, work, and connect with their communities.

The Arc’s Core Values are evident in all aspects of our programs and services. These values are:

• We embrace individuality. We see the whole person, celebrate our differences, and offer the people we serve, and our team, opportunities tailored to them.
• We are heart-driven. Every interaction matters to us; we go the extra mile to care for the people we serve and our team.
• We take strategic risks. Fueled by the urgency of our mission, we continually push for better and more innovative approaches.
• We are action-oriented. We are creative, resourceful, and have a “get it done” approach to overcoming challenges.
• We promote equity and respect. We value the different identities and experiences of the people and communities we work with, and we build respectful relationships to meet them where they are.

The Arc partnered with employees from across the organization and community members to develop the value statements above, which reflect who we are as an organization and how we approach our work.

The Arc welcomes employees of diverse backgrounds, striving to create a workplace where all feel valued for their contributions. We actively incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices into every practice and policy. It’s more than mandatory employee training—it’s at the very root of our organizational culture. How power is distributed, who contributes to decision-making, the distribution of workloads, and the representation of diversity across the organization are all factors in how The Arc’s leadership team guides the organization.

The Arc is constantly finding new ways to invest in its employees’ personal and professional success to create an environment where people can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging.

About The Arc’s Subsidiaries

What’s unique about The Arc is our focus on innovation, commitment to community-based services, and tremendous growth. The Arc is an entrepreneurial organization, and strongly values innovation informed by community needs. It is the driving force behind the growth of The Arc and the development of new programs, services, and subsidiaries throughout our history.

Chesapeake Neighbors

The Arc’s work in providing quality, safe, affordable housing for people with IDD showed our leaders the need for affordable and accessible housing in the greater community. Recognizing this need for affordable housing throughout Maryland, The Arc founded Chesapeake Neighbors in 2007 as a nonprofit subsidiary dedicated to the development and management of affordable housing for all. Today, Chesapeake Neighbors owns and operates 70 units throughout Maryland with goals of increasing to 100 units by 2025.

Chesapeake Community Development

In 2021, The Arc founded Chesapeake Community Development, a Community Development Corporation (CDC), to serve as our acquisition and development arm. Under this model, Chesapeake Community Development purchases properties and stewards projects through development while Chesapeake Neighbors provides ongoing leasing, management, and maintenance services throughout the life of the property. Over the next two decades, Chesapeake Community Development will become an essential part of our overall community development strategy on the Eastern Shore where we anticipate adding approximately 150 units of affordable housing in mixed-use zones.

For more information about The Arc, see www.thearcccr.org. For more information about Chesapeake Neighbors, see www.chesapeakeneighbors.org.

The Position

The Assistant Director of Talent Experience will lead employee relations, engagement, and retention strategies across The Arc, in partnership with Director of Talent Experience. The Assistant Director of Talent Experience will provide leadership and coaching to leaders on a variety of issues related to employee performance, policies, and engagement. This position is an ambassador of The Arc and is expected to provide exceptional, employee-focused customer service, aligned to our culture and values. The Assistant Director of Talent Experience is a member of the Leadership Council.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director of Talent Experience will manage and facilitate The Arc’s employee relations, engagement, and retention strategies across the organization. The Assistant Director will also:

• Promote and implement initiatives to cultivate and sustain a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture that aligns with The Arc’s mission and values.
• Drive employee relations strategies and initiatives through the development of strong employee communication channels and business partner relationships; Work with the Director of Talent Experience and Manager of Culture Initiatives on all internal communications.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel to department heads and managers on topics ranging from policy interpretation, internal investigation, performance management, employer practices, and terminations.
• Review and advise on discipline actions, performance improvement plans, and termination documentation.
• Identify and plan improvements to the employee experience from onboarding through separation, working with division, department heads and key stakeholders.
• Partner with the SVP of Administration and General Counsel on HR legal issue and internal investigations. 
• Ensure application of consistent, equitable, inclusive, compassionate approach to managing and escalating employee issues.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and adoption of best employee relations practices.
• Manage and coach assigned employees and consultants.

Other Functions

• Support the Director of Talent Experience with special projects and initiatives.
• Assess, recommend, and implement HR policies and practices as needed to meet the needs of the organization
• Keep up to date on HR policies, practices, trends and laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field and five years of progressive HR leadership experience in a large, complex organization required; Human resources credential such as PHR, SHRM-CP is a plus
• Significant leadership experience in employee relations and HR leadership can be substituted for a degree
• Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment in sensitive situations
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse personalities and employee populations
• Ability to exercise initiative, think creatively in the improvement of processes and drive results
• Ability to work well under pressure in an ever-changing environment
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and knowledge of HRIS systems required
• Excellent oral and written communications; Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage positive communication in difficult situations
• Proven ability to remain flexible, calm under pressure and adaptive to change as priorities shift, being a model and resource for team members

In addition to a competitive base salary of $110,000, The Arc also provides a comprehensive total rewards (benefits) package which includes access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; EAP; FSA; Basic Life Insurance and AD&D coverage; STD and LTD; 403(b) with up to 4% employer match; PTO, as well as 12 paid annual holidays per year. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during The Arc office hours, with frequent night and occasional weekend meetings or events. This position is eligible for periodic telework, which means up to 3 days per month. Telework days are not guaranteed.

Application Process

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find the best candidate for the Assistant Director of Talent Experience position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s requirements and a chronological resume to TheArcTE@dragonflycentral.org.

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

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer. The Arc provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is proud of its commitment to and celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all aspects of its operations, vision, mission, and leadership.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find a Director of Talent Development. The Director will be responsible for implementing and enhancing The Arc’s existing talent development plan to move a learning agenda across the enterprise.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Enterprise

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) began in 1961, founded by a group of parents who wanted equity, access, and opportunity for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At our core, The Arc believes that people with IDD deserve the same opportunities for self-determination and self-advocacy as any other community member. The Arc’s growth over the last six decades has been in response to community-identified needs. We are providing—and often creating—the services that people tell us they need to live the life they choose for themselves.

Today, The Arc supports more than 3,000 people with IDD and their families throughout Maryland, providing comprehensive programs and services that support the full spectrum of a person’s life, from birth through retirement, and all the joys and opportunities in between. All our programs and services are designed to empower and support people with IDD and provide greater self-determination in how they live, work, and connect with their communities.

The Arc’s Core Values are evident in all aspects of our programs and services. These values are:

• We embrace individuality. We see the whole person, celebrate our differences, and offer the people we serve, and our team, opportunities tailored to them.
• We are heart-driven. Every interaction matters to us; we go the extra mile to care for the people we serve and our team.
• We take strategic risks. Fueled by the urgency of our mission, we continually push for better and more innovative approaches.
• We are action-oriented. We are creative, resourceful, and have a “get it done” approach to overcoming challenges.
• We promote equity and respect. We value the different identities and experiences of the people and communities we work with, and we build respectful relationships to meet them where they are.

The Arc partnered with employees from across the organization and community members to develop the value statements above, which reflect who we are as an organization and how we approach our work.

The Arc welcomes employees of diverse backgrounds, striving to create a workplace where all feel valued for their contributions. We actively incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices into every practice and policy. It’s more than mandatory employee training—it’s at the very root of our organizational culture. How power is distributed, who contributes to decision-making, the distribution of workloads, and the representation of diversity across the organization are all factors in how The Arc’s leadership team guides the organization.

The Arc is constantly finding new ways to invest in its employees’ personal and professional success to create an environment where people can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging.

About The Arc’s Subsidiaries

What’s unique about The Arc is our focus on innovation, commitment to community-based services, and tremendous growth. The Arc is an entrepreneurial organization, and strongly values innovation informed by community needs. It is the driving force behind the growth of The Arc and the development of new programs, services, and subsidiaries throughout our history.

Chesapeake Neighbors

The Arc’s work in providing quality, safe, affordable housing for people with IDD showed our leaders the need for affordable and accessible housing in the greater community. Recognizing this need for affordable housing throughout Maryland, The Arc founded Chesapeake Neighbors in 2007 as a nonprofit subsidiary dedicated to the development and management of affordable housing for all. Today, Chesapeake Neighbors owns and operates 70 units throughout Maryland with goals of increasing to 100 units by 2025.

Chesapeake Community Development

In 2021, The Arc founded Chesapeake Community Development, a Community Development Corporation (CDC), to serve as our acquisition and development arm. Under this model, Chesapeake Community Development purchases properties and stewards projects through development while Chesapeake Neighbors provides ongoing leasing, management, and maintenance services throughout the life of the property. Over the next two decades, Chesapeake Community Development will become an essential part of our overall community development strategy on the Eastern Shore where we anticipate adding approximately 150 units of affordable housing in mixed-use zones.

For more information about The Arc, see www.thearcccr.org. For more information about Chesapeake Neighbors, see www.chesapeakeneighbors.org.

The Position

The Director of Talent Development will lead all learning and development activities for The Arc and its subsidiaries. The Director of Talent Development will partner with the VP of People & Culture, President & CEO, and Executive Leadership to move a learning agenda across the organization. The Director of Talent Development will create opportunities for ongoing professional development for leaders at every level of the organization that align with The Arc’s strategic plan and organizational values. The Director of Talent Development will ensure all mandated training by DDA or other licensing/accrediting agencies are met across the organization. The Director of Talent Development is a member of the Leadership Council and Expanded Executive Leadership Team. This position must meet all the qualifications of a Direct Support Professional and complete all training.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Director of Talent Development will develop and implement a comprehensive learning strategy in collaboration with the VP of People & Culture. The Director will also:

• Deliver dynamic, interactive, and highly effective professional development content and training experiences to include new hire and ongoing employee and leadership development training programs.
• Partner with internal and external subject matter experts to design high-quality training content and programs.
• Develop and facilitate career ladder programs, including the Direct Support Professional career ladder.
• Maintain and enhance centralized infrastructure for all learning and development programs by establishing standardized methods and procedures for delivery, evaluation, measurement, and reporting.
• With the VP of People & Culture, develop metrics to enable robust evaluation strategies to measure learning outcomes, productivity, and business impact of learning solutions; Leverage data insights to drive, modify, and create future learning offerings.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to identify and prioritize learning needs; Evaluate the effectiveness of training and professional development programs and drive improvement.
• Select, develop, and manage content library for Learning Management System (LMS).
• Ensure that all The Arc employees are compliant with all position-required training.
• Manage and coach assigned employees and consultants.

Other Functions

• Maintain “master trainer” level for Mandt, First Aid & CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and other credentialed training.
• Develop relationships with local community colleges for ongoing professional development.
• Support organization-wide employee engagement activities through learning events.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in organizational development, education, or related field and five years of experience creating, leading, and facilitating management and professional development sessions for leaders at every level of an organization required
• Master’s degree in organizational development, human resources, or adult education and/or APTD Certification through the Association for Talent Development is a plus
• Expert facilitator of multi-dimensional training and professional development in the areas of DEI, management, and leadership competencies; Demonstrated track record of facilitating interactive training for adult learners
• Experience creating content for and managing Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse personalities and employee populations
• Ability to exercise initiative, think creatively in the improvement of processes and drive results
• Ability to work well under pressure in an ever-changing environment
• Must be proficient with basic data-analysis tools and techniques, as well as computer programs such as the Microsoft Office suite

In addition to a competitive base salary of $120,500, The Arc also provides a comprehensive total rewards (benefits) package which includes access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; EAP; FSA; Basic Life Insurance and AD&D coverage; STD and LTD; 403(b) with up to 4% employer match; PTO, as well as 12 paid annual holidays per year. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during The Arc office hours, with frequent night and occasional weekend meetings or events. This position is eligible for periodic telework, which means up to 3 days per month. Telework days are not guaranteed.

Application Process

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find the best candidate for the Director of Development position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s requirements and a chronological resume to TheArcTalent@dragonflycentral.org.

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

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer. The Arc provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is proud of its commitment to and celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all aspects of its operations, vision, mission, and leadership.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find a Vice President of External Relations. The Vice President will manage the day-to-day operations of External Relations, strengthen current relationships, and develop new partnerships for The Arc in addition to supporting the development of new revenue streams.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Enterprise

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) began in 1961, founded by a group of parents who wanted equity, access, and opportunity for their children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At our core, The Arc believes that people with IDD deserve the same opportunities for self-determination and self-advocacy as any other community member. The Arc’s growth over the last six decades has been in response to community-identified needs. We are providing—and often creating—the services that people tell us they need to live the life they choose for themselves.

Today, The Arc supports more than 3,000 people with IDD and their families throughout Maryland, providing comprehensive programs and services that support the full spectrum of a person’s life, from birth through retirement, and all the joys and opportunities in between. All our programs and services are designed to empower and support people with IDD and provide greater self-determination in how they live, work, and connect with their communities.

The Arc’s Core Values are evident in all aspects of our programs and services. These values are:

• We embrace individuality. We see the whole person, celebrate our differences, and offer the people we serve, and our team, opportunities tailored to them.
• We are heart-driven. Every interaction matters to us; we go the extra mile to care for the people we serve and our team.
• We take strategic risks. Fueled by the urgency of our mission, we continually push for better and more innovative approaches.
• We are action-oriented. We are creative, resourceful, and have a “get it done” approach to overcoming challenges.
• We promote equity and respect. We value the different identities and experiences of the people and communities we work with, and we build respectful relationships to meet them where they are.

The Arc partnered with employees from across the organization and community members to develop the value statements above, which reflect who we are as an organization and how we approach our work.

The Arc welcomes employees of diverse backgrounds, striving to create a workplace where all feel valued for their contributions. We actively incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) best practices into every practice and policy. It’s more than mandatory employee training—it’s at the very root of our organizational culture. How power is distributed, who contributes to decision-making, the distribution of workloads, and the representation of diversity across the organization are all factors in how The Arc’s leadership team guides the organization.

The Arc is constantly finding new ways to invest in its employees’ personal and professional success to create an environment where people can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging.

About The Arc’s Subsidiaries

What’s unique about The Arc is our focus on innovation, commitment to community-based services, and tremendous growth. The Arc is an entrepreneurial organization, and strongly values innovation informed by community needs. It is the driving force behind the growth of The Arc and the development of new programs, services, and subsidiaries throughout our history.

Chesapeake Neighbors

The Arc’s work in providing quality, safe, affordable housing for people with IDD showed our leaders the need for affordable and accessible housing in the greater community. Recognizing this need for affordable housing throughout Maryland, The Arc founded Chesapeake Neighbors in 2007 as a nonprofit subsidiary dedicated to the development and management of affordable housing for all. Today, Chesapeake Neighbors owns and operates 70 units throughout Maryland with goals of increasing to 100 units by 2025.

Chesapeake Community Development

In 2021, The Arc founded Chesapeake Community Development, a Community Development Corporation (CDC), to serve as our acquisition and development arm. Under this model, Chesapeake Community Development purchases properties and stewards projects through development while Chesapeake Neighbors provides ongoing leasing, management, and maintenance services throughout the life of the property. Over the next two decades, Chesapeake Community Development will become an essential part of our overall community development strategy on the Eastern Shore where we anticipate adding approximately 150 units of affordable housing in mixed-use zones.

For more information about The Arc, see www.thearcccr.org. For more information about Chesapeake Neighbors, see www.chesapeakeneighbors.org.

The Position

The Vice President of External Relations partners with the President & CEO and manages the day-to-day operations of External Relations, including development, strategic communications, government relations, and community engagement. The Vice President of External Relations will strengthen relationships with constituency groups of The Arc and its subsidiaries to foster strategic growth and partnerships. The Vice President of External Relations will support the development of diverse revenue streams through traditional and nontraditional development strategies. The Vice President of External Relations will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Vice President of External Relations will provide effective leadership in the areas of Development, Government Relations, Strategic Communications, and Community Engagement; and partner with department heads to achieve External Relations goals.

 The Vice President will also:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated External Relations operational plan.
• Promote dynamic collaboration across the External Relations team; strengthen the alignment of goals and roles, foster open communication, and deepen a culture of accountability.
• Represent The Arc and its subsidiaries’ public profile, enhancing visibility and influencing public opinion.
• With the President & CEO, provide counsel to support the growth and development of the Board of Directors across all lines of service and relevant committees.
• Ensure the continued financial viability of The Arc and its subsidiaries through growth initiatives, philanthropy, and strategic partnerships. 
• Lead a high-performing team of department heads and managers; manage and coach assigned employees and consultants.

Other Functions

• When requested, conduct research and prepare speeches, presentations, and talking points for the President & CEO on an array of topics and for a breadth of constituencies.
• Facilitate special projects by conducting research, collecting and analyzing data, drafting reports, and preparing presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience and Attributes

• Five or more years of progressive senior leadership in development, external affairs, marketing, and/or communications leadership with a track record of success
• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters’ degree in business, public policy, or related field preferred
• Ability to translate high-level strategy into tactical implementation in the areas of public affairs, marketing, communications, and development
• Ability to build coalitions and invest constituents utilizing exceptional political acumen
• Experience in navigating work with multiple constituent groups including the media and elected officials
• Demonstrated ability to analyze program, policy, and advocacy issues and communicate findings and recommendations to a variety of audiences
• Experience working across cultural, geographic, and organizational lines to align work, solve problems, and achieve goals
• Excellent oral and written communication; strong interpersonal skills with the ability to manage positive communication

In addition to a competitive base salary of $160,000, The Arc also provides a comprehensive total rewards (benefits) package which includes a company vehicle; access to robust health, vision, and dental insurance; EAP; FSA; Basic Life Insurance and AD&D coverage; STD and LTD; 403(b) with up to 4% employer match; PTO, as well as 12 paid annual holidays per year. Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during The Arc office hours, with frequent night and occasional weekend meetings or events. This position is eligible for periodic telework, which means up to 3 days per month. Telework days are not guaranteed.

Application Process

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is partnering with Dragonfly Central to find the best candidate for the Vice President of External Relations position. To apply, email a cover letter that details your fit with the position’s requirements and a chronological resume to ArcVicePresident@dragonflycentral.org.

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

The Arc is an equal opportunity employer. The Arc provides equal opportunity to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, ethnicity, sex/gender, national origin, age, marital status, military/veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is proud of its commitment to and celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout all aspects of its operations, vision, mission, and leadership.

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, 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.”