Comings and Goings: January 2020
John F. Murphy Homes
AUBURN, ME — Peter Kowalski, long-time CEO of John F. Murphy Homes, recently retired after 36 years. When he joined the agency back in 1984, it had just a few full-time employees. Now, John F. Murphy Homes has 875 employees, operates 37 group homes and five day programs, and offers shared living, case management, work supports and nine special purpose schools. Peter will have much more time to spend with his family and enjoying the Maine outdoors, but will also continue to do limited, part-time consulting with the agency. Over his career, he has been active on both a state and national level. He served on the ANCOR Board of Directors for many years in various capacities, including two terms as President, and was a very active member on many committees.
Todd Goodwin assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of John F. Murphy Homes, Inc. on January 1. Goodwin is an experienced nonprofit executive with extensive experience in the child welfare, behavioral health and I/DD sectors. Goodwin is a former member of the ANCOR Board of Representatives and is particularly interested in better integration of the I/DD, health care and behavioral health sectors. “I have the highest regard for Peter Kowalski and his substantial influence on Maine’s service delivery system. He has had a lasting positive impact on thousands of Maine people. I am thrilled to follow in his footsteps and build upon his incredible legacy with John F. Murphy Homes,” Goodwin said.
Living Well Disability Services
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN — Rod Carlson has been appointed to serve as Interim President and CEO following Julie Manworren’s resignation (see writeup in December issue). Rod has more than 34 years of experience supporting people with disabilities, most recently as Living Well’s COO. He serves on the board of directors for ARRM, one of Minnesota’s state provider associations, and also on the ANCOR Board of Representatives. According to Living Well Board Chair Melissa Bayne, “Rod knows this business inside and out. He has worked closely with all teams across Living Well to execute its mission and plan. Rod’s experience positions him well to lead the organization though this transition.”
New England Village
PEMBROKE, MA — Gail T. Brown, who has worked in the field of human services for 45 years, recently retired from New England Village (NEV) after seven years as the organization’s President & CEO. According to the NEV press release, “Gail led the organization through a changing and sometimes precarious external funding environment. She successfully executed a critical 3-year strategic plan and implemented person-centered services, which improved the quality of life of the men and women supported by NEV by giving them more choice and control in their own lives.”
Gail was active in ANCOR, serving on the Government Relations Committee and also on the Board of Representatives for multiple terms. She was also the past board president of the Massachusetts state association, ADDP, which recently presented Gail with the 2019 Trailblazer Award for the work she did regarding the HCBS Settings Rule.
Effective January 15, Michael A. Rodrigues succeeded Gail as President & CEO of New England Village. Like Gail, Michael has focused his life’s work on empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead rich and fulfilling lives. Previously he served as President & CEO of Thrive Support & Advocacy in Marlborough, MA. Prior to that, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Triangle in Malden, MA, for 15 years. Mike has received numerous recognitions throughout his career, including the Boston Celtics Heroes Among Us award.