The State of America's Direct Support Workforce Crisis 2026
Comings & Goings: October 2026
Comings & Goings is an occasional feature of Connections in which we highlight promotions, retirements, transitions and more from ANCOR’s provider agency and state association members.
Welcome New Members
We are delighted to welcome three new organizations to ANCOR’s growing community of disability service providers and supporters of the field:
- Elizabeth Richardson Center in Springdale, AR
- Simpl Care Services, LLC in Heber City, UT
- Tides, LLC in Juneau, AK
Josh Scher named President & CEO of Birch Family Services
ANCOR member Birch Family Services has announced Josh Scher as its next Chief Executive Officer. Scher, who is currently Birch’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer, was selected following a national search to succeed Matt Sturiale, who will retire at the end of 2026.
According to statement on the hire, ‘Scher has helped strengthen Birch’s financial foundation and expand its capacity to serve individuals and families. He has overseen more than $105 million in annual revenue and led the organization’s first affordable housing initiative. As chief financial and operating officer, he coordinates financial and operational support for nine schools, as well as residential and community-based services, helping programs and staff secure the resources they need.’
Matt Sturiale to retire at the end of the year
Matt Sturiale will retire at the end of 2016, after nearly five decades of service and advocacy, beginning as a direct support professional and residential program supervisor. Sturiale held senior leadership roles at YAI, including interim CEO, before becoming Birch’s president and CEO in 2016.
‘During his decade at Birch, he has expanded educational, residential, and community-based services, grown the New Frontier employment program, and helped establish the organization’s first affordable housing initiative,’ read a statement from Birch Family Services. ‘His leadership has created lasting opportunities for people to pursue meaningful work, live more independently and participate fully in their communities.’
ANCOR thanks Matt Sturiale for an incredibly impactful career, and wish him a happy retirement!
André Floyd is ANCOR’s Senior Communications Manager. Have something you’d like to see included in an upcoming edition of Comings & Goings? Reach out to André by email.