Comings and Goings
BrightSpring Health Services, Louisville KY —Larry Weishaar, Vice President Quality Systems is retiring as of August. Larry has been with BrightSpring Health Services (formerly ResCare) since ResCare bought Normal Life in 1998. His employment at Normal Life — where he was Vice President of Development — was counted as ResCare employment, so all in all he has served them a total of 27 years.
When asked for a quote for this article, Larry sent me the following antidote: ‘One of my favorite stories is when I helped move a lady from an institution to a group home. After she unpacked, she came out into the living room, sat on the floor, took off her shoes and socks and started crying. I asked the home manager what was wrong, she did not know. So I kneeled down and asked, “Susan what’s wrong?” She turned to me and said, “This is my house and no one is going to tell me to put my shoes and socks on!” Then I and the home manager both started crying. That has been one of the strongest motivators of doing everything I can to make people’s lives better and valued.’
Larry has been very involved in ANCOR throughout his career, and a major favorite of ANCOR staff who have been fortunate to work with him on many initiatives as he has served on numerous boards/committees over the years. Some include the ANCOR Board of Directors, on which he served multiple terms; being a founding member and Co-Chair of the ANCOR Performance Excellence Initiative; sitting as Co-Chair of the Leadership Development Committee for multiple terms; and most recently serving as Vice President of the ANCOR Foundation. For his tireless work and dogged dedication, Larry was initiated into the ANCOR Legacy Leader Circle in 2011.
Larry is looking forward to spending more time with his family once he retires. Thank you for all of your hard work, allyship, and support! We will miss you!
The Columbus Organization, Wayne, PA — Johnny Callabs was appointed Executive State Director for Kentucky, effective June 3. The Columbus Organization is a provider of case management services for individuals with I/DD. The organization’s Kentucky subsidiary, Commonwealth Case Management, will be rebranded as The Columbus Organization.
Previously, Johnny had been Executive Director of the Kentucky Association of Private Providers (KAPP). Prior to his employment with KAPP, he worked to protect children from abuse and neglect, advocated for the rights of adults in the state guardianship system, developed and supervised regulatory functions for Kentucky’s ports for Community Living Waiver and served as the Regional/Executive Director for an all-service waiver and foster care provider for almost sixteen years.
Marcfirst, Normal, IL — Laura Furlong retired as CEO of Marcfirst on June 28. Laura had been employed at that agency in various capacities since 1993.
As of August 26, the new CEO will be Brian Wipperman. He joins Marcfirst with 16 years of experience in special education, most recently as Vice President of Education for the Children’s Home Association of Illinois. Prior to that, he was the Supervisor of Special Education for Sewanhaka Central High School District in Floral Park, NY.
Marcfirst COO, Greg Chadwick, is continuing as acting CEO until Brian joins the staff.
Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA), Columbus OH — As of May 28, Peter Moore became President & CEO of OPRA. OPRA is one of the state associations that represents Ohio’s provider community for people with developmental disabilities. Pete has extensive and diverse experience, having most recently served as Administrator of Mt. Aloysius. He also worked at the Ohio Association of County Boards, the Ohio Department of Development Disabilities, and the Hancock County Boards and Tiffin Developmental Center.
Regarding his appointment, Pete said, “Strategic partnerships will be important to our future success. We will focus on strengthening our relationships with the County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and other key partners as we address our workforce challenges and strive to create an innovative and simplified system where people with developmental disabilities and their families can thrive.”
Developmental Pathways, Englewood, CO — Melanie Worley, Chief Executive Officer of Developmental Pathways (and Continuum of Colorado) will be retiring as of August 2. Melanie joined the board of Developmental Pathways in 2002, and served as VP of Communications, then as CEO, since 2012. She also served as a Douglas County Commissioner for 10 years. Melanie worked tirelessly promoting legislation in Colorado, advocating for the developmental disability and mental health communities. She has been active in ANCOR, and serves on the Board of Representatives.
Matt VanAuken, currently serving as COO of Developmental Pathways, will step in as Interim CEO once Melanie retires. Matt brings over 20 years of executive leadership and management experience to the agency, and has also been active in ANCOR.