Last night at Celebration Impact, The Arc recognized employees, people we support, and community members who have made a significant difference on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year’s event provided an excellent opportunity to honor these important leaders at The Arc and beyond and took place on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Kent Island, MD.

 The award ceremony began with Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc, sharing his perspective on The Arc’s growth, successes, and impact over the last year.

 “At The Arc, we define impact as life-altering, sustainable change,” said Jonathon. “Whether it is community-wide impact or something that more directly influences a person’s life, I am proud to say that I see incredible impact in our work every day, and that is what we are here to honor tonight.”

Awards were presented by Jonathon Rondeau, Joan Green, Lorraine Gallagher, Matt Morgan, Jodie Colombo, Catie Comer, John Sheehan, and Laura Carr, and all recipients were met with great applause and appreciation.

 This year’s Celebration Impact awards went to:

Leadership in Direct Service Award

Junell Nash

Leadership in Administration & Management Award

Kathryn Bucolo

Outstanding Personal Achievement Award

Scott Southerland

Kavita Krishnaswamy

Lorraine Sheehan Advocacy Award

Anatasia Kulick

Phillip Emerson

Leadership in Social Responsibility Award

Call Tracking Metrics

Impact through Leadership Award

Ben & Sarah Harries

“We are very proud to honor each of our awardees tonight for the critical work they are doing in their community, day in and day out,” Jonathon added at the end of the program. “The Arc’s ongoing success and continued impact are possible because of the dedication and resilience of the people we support, our employees, and our community members like those we are honoring tonight.”

All awardees received etched glass trophies and bouquets of flowers from the event, and both employees who won awards will receive a $1,000 bonus as part of their award. It is the largest merit-based award granted to employees at The Arc.

Celebration Impact is held every year by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, and it continues to be a meaningful night celebrating the profound impacts of the people we support, our employees, and community members.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region is proud to announce that we have joined the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Alliance (MTBSA), a group of organizations and community leaders formed in the aftermath of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

The MTBSA is a collaborative group of businesses, philanthropic organizations, and non-profits across all sectors committed to ensuring a swift, thorough, and comprehensive recovery from the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

The Arc recognizes the importance of coming together with other stakeholders to address the challenges and needs arising from this unprecedented event. While there are many challenges and difficulties ahead, there is promise in the number of organizations, leaders, and community members stepping up to support recovery efforts.

By joining the alliance, The Arc aims to bring expertise and resources to the table while advocating for the inclusion and well-being of people with disabilities in the recovery process.

The experiences and perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be critical for ensuring an equitable recovery process that works for all Marylanders. Together with the MTBSA, The Arc is committed to building a stronger and more resilient community for all.

We are all #BaltimoreStrong and #MarylandTough

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that José Ochoa will be joining the enterprise as the Vice President of Finance where he will lead the corporate finance division. José comes to The Arc at a pivotal moment as The Arc continues to strengthen its financial position and expand services throughout the region.

José possesses over 15 years of progressive leadership experience working in nonprofits and over a decade of experience in financial analysis, budget forecasting, and managing federal and state grants and contracts. Most recently, José served as the Vice President of Finance and Accounting at a very large nonprofit in Texas, where he played a pivotal role in increasing revenue.

“We are excited to welcome José to our Executive Leadership Team,” says Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “It is essential to have impactful leaders like José who are eager to innovate and explore what’s possible for the good of the people we support.”

As a strategic leader, José is well-versed in managing complex budgets and portfolios with multiple funding streams, as well as all aspects of corporate budgeting, business development, and cash flow management. Given The Arc’s record of exponential growth and increasingly complex portfolio of funding sources, Jose’s expertise, guidance, and leadership will have a profound impact on The Arc’s operations and future financial strength.

“I am deeply inspired by The Arc’s mission and vision, and it’s an honor to join an organization that aligns so closely with my values. I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the individuals and communities we serve,” says José.

José holds a Master’s of Commerce in finance and logistics from RMIT University Melbourne and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Colombia.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) has been an important part of Talbot County history for nearly 20 years and, with the launch of Port Street Commons in Fall 2024, The Arc will continue to be an undeniable part of Talbot County’s future.

The Arc’s commitment to providing high-quality services across Maryland’s Eastern Shore began with serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Talbot County in 2007. Since then, The Arc’s services in the region have grown exponentially and we continue to respond in real-time to the varied needs of the communities we support within Talbot County.

“Talbot County has a distinct history and culture unique from anywhere else in Maryland,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “When we recognized a gap in services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the County twenty years ago, we understood the importance of meeting people where they were at, understanding the issues at play, and partnering with community leaders and families to create change. And we’re still creating positive change today.”

The Arc’s most notable and innovative contribution to Talbot County may be the launch of Port Street Commons, a 24,000-square-foot multi-use community resource coming to the Town of Easton in Fall 2024. Port Street Commons will combine housing, services, and office space all under one roof, and it will serve as the foundation for The Arc’s innovative community development work in the future alongside Chesapeake Neighbors and Chesapeake Community Development.

“Our organization has had profound impacts in the lives of dozens, if not hundreds, of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region,” said Greg Snyder, Vice President of Engagement at The Arc, “and Port Street Commons is a permanent, clear demonstration of our commitment to the Town of Easton and all of Talbot County.”

On Talbot Day 2024, Jonathon Rondeau, Greg Snyder, and Judi Olinger, Executive Director of Chesapeake Neighbors, led hard hat tours of the Port Street Commons site where walls have been erected, concrete is being poured, and the future of The Arc’s services is being set in stone.

“Port Street Commons says ‘The Arc and Chesapeake Neighbors are here, we are committed, and we are here to stay’—and we absolutely are,” said Judi.

The Arc’s impact in Talbot County is undeniable. The Arc continues to be an important economic leader, creating new jobs, providing innovative services, and establishing meaningful partnerships with like-minded changemakers throughout the County.

As The Arc looks to the future, the initiatives and projects the enterprise is preparing to launch promise incredible opportunities for more economic impact, more community revitalization, more community-integrated services, and more opportunities to reimagine our communities for the betterment of us all.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that Greg Snyder, the Vice President of Engagement, has been selected to join the Living Classrooms Foundation Rising Stars 2024 program presented by the Baltimore Business Journal. The Rising Stars program recognizes a small group of young professionals as the next generation of Baltimore philanthropists and business leaders.

“I am excited to count myself among this year’s Rising Stars, which is such a prestigious recognition,” said Greg. “I am eager to represent The Arc’s mission and vision while connecting with like-minded changemakers so we can create meaningful dialogue about expanding high-quality services for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we support.”

Rising Stars members are chosen based on their outstanding achievements in their professional and personal lives. In the program, Rising Stars participate in various networking opportunities and become ambassadors and supporters of Living Classrooms’ education and workforce development initiatives.

“Greg is a dynamic leader committed to educating people at all intersections of business and community leadership around the importance of centering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in everything we do,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “He is beyond deserving of this recognition because of his personal and professional drive to see innovation and improvement in the lives of the people we support.”

In his role as The Arc’s Vice President of Engagement, Greg Snyder leads The Arc’s government and community relations while managing the legislative agenda for The Arc and its subsidiaries. He developed and supports The Arc’s Living Boldly self-advocacy group, is Chair of the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, and is a member of the Central Maryland Chamber, among other commissions, boards, and groups. Greg currently serves on the Board of Directors of Keep Punching, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing and eradicating brain cancer. He received The Daily Record’s 2020 VIP List Award, recognizing successful professionals under 40 in Maryland, and he is a graduate of Shore Leadership 2023.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) congratulates Jodie Colombo, Director of Day Services, on her acceptance to the Shore Leadership Class of 2024. Over the course of the year, Jodie will complete the hands-on professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of local business and community leaders on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The Arc provides essential services and referrals to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across eight counties on the Eastern Shore, and Jodie is eager to build new partnerships, engage in meaningful conversations, and ensure the issues impacting people with IDD in the region are centered in their discussions.

“It is exciting to have the opportunity to come together as community leaders who are all interested in doing more for the people we serve throughout our communities,” said Jodie. “I am excited to work with the people in my cohort and advocate so that actionable improvements can be made for people with IDD on the Eastern Shore.”

Community is at the heart of The Arc’s mission and vision as an organization. As The Arc continues to grow and enrich its services throughout the Eastern Shore, building strong connections with like-minded change-makers is a key step.

The Arc congratulates Jodie on this recognition of her leadership and success in her career, along with all other members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2024.

Shore Leadership is a professional development program dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Shore Leadership participants interface with community leaders and experts from organizations and institutions that shape the region’s structure and culture. Participants meet once monthly to focus on key topics of regional interest. Shore Leadership has been facilitating positive change in the region since 1997.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that Greg Snyder, Vice President of Engagement, has been chosen to participate in Leadership Maryland’s inaugural Emerging Leaders professional development program.

Greg is one of 40 leaders selected to participate in this hands-on learning program that will focus on leadership development over the course of six months and will allow for learning, discussion, and networking among key leaders from across the state.

“I am excited to participate and am honored to be included in the first ever class of Emerging Leaders,” said Greg. “Leadership Maryland’s programming regularly provides excellent opportunities for community leaders to collaborate and connect, and I am eager to grow my skills while representing The Arc’s mission and vision.”

The Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program will offer a holistic approach to leadership development, designed to support each applicant in increasing their self-awareness and developing the lifelong leadership behaviors, skills, and tools they will need to become more adaptive, inclusive, and impactful leaders.

“Greg is a strategic, driven, and compassionate leader,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “I have no doubt that the Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program will allow Greg to continue honing his leadership skills, acting on his ambition, and growing his connections with other promising rising leaders preparing to be the dynamic leaders the future needs.”

In his role as The Arc’s Vice President of Engagement, Greg leads The Arc’s government and community relations while managing the legislative agenda for The Arc and its subsidiaries. He developed and supports The Arc’s Living Boldly self-advocacy group, is Chair of the Anne Arundel County Commission on Disability Issues, a 2023 graduate of Shore Leadership, and is a member of the Central Maryland Chamber board of directors among other commissions, boards, and groups.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has awarded The Arc a $1 million capital grant to support The Arc’s Expanding What’s Possible capital campaign for the construction of Port Street Commons in Easton, MD. This significant gift brings the total amount raised for Port Street Commons to $6.1 million.

“We are grateful for the Weinberg Foundation’s tremendous gift as a supporter of Port Street Commons,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “This gift will have a major impact in our community, supporting the creation of more affordable housing opportunities, more support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and dozens of new jobs on the Eastern Shore.”

Port Street Commons will be a first-of-its-kind community space that will house both The Arc at Port Street, which will serve as The Arc’s new Eastern Shore headquarters, and The Residences at Port Street, which will boast nine affordable housing units operated by Chesapeake Neighbors with two reserved for the Talbot Interfaith Shelter. The buildings will incorporate universal design, sustainability features, and provide space for mental health counseling and innovative services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We are proud to support this important project, which will increase access to services for people with disabilities, as well as mental health counseling and affordable housing, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,” said Elvis Guzman, program officer at the Weinberg Foundation.

Port Street Commons is under construction in the downtown Port Street district of Easton along the rail trail and is already contributing to the overall economic development and health of the community. The Arc broke ground on the construction of the 24,000-square-foot facility in June of 2023, and it is scheduled to be completed in late Fall of 2024.

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc) is pleased to announce that Megan Lyle, Esq. LL.M, the Senior Vice President of Administration & General Counsel, has been accepted into the Executive Alliance, an organization that connects accomplished women on a professional and personal level to expand their impact and influence in Maryland.

“I am honored to be member of the Executive Alliance and make new connections with likeminded leaders in our community,” said Megan. “Women are incredibly powerful leaders, and their skillsets, connections, and insights must be recognized and leveraged in all spaces and places. I’m excited to be part of an organization bringing together female executives from across the state.”

A former litigator with over 10 years of legal experience, Megan has a passion for using her legal expertise and skillset for the greater good. Throughout her career, she has focused on removing barriers for people wherever possible. In her role at The Arc, she uses her legal expertise to support and protect the mission of the organization while making a positive impact in the community.

“Megan is an energetic and well-rounded leader committed to seeing other women succeed at The Arc,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her passion for our vision and mission are evident in everything she does, and she is very deserving of this state-level recognition of her dynamic leadership.”

Megan is one of several women on The Arc’s Executive Leadership Team and manages teams related to compliance, legal, and information technology. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of Rochester, a Juris Doctor from the University of Buffalo School of Law, and a Master of Laws in Dispute Resolution from the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law.