The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc), a nonprofit committed to transforming lives for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and Michele Tharp, Board Chair, are pleased to welcome Allison Whiteman Taylor and Jane Plapinger to The Arc’s Board of Directors.

Allison possesses over 10 years of experience in public health and policymaking at both governmental and healthcare-related organizations which will be a welcome addition to The Arc’s current advocacy efforts focused on increasing access and opportunity for people with I/DD.

“We are excited to welcome Allison to our Board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her substantial background in government relations, as well as her expertise in public policy and legal analysis in the health care sector, will enhance our Board’s ability to continue to expand our services and look to the future of what’s next for people with disabilities.”

Currently, Allison is the Director of Government Relations for Kaiser Permanente in Maryland, one of the largest nonprofit healthcare and insurance providers in the country. Previously, she served as Counsel to the Senate Finance Committee in the Department of Legislative Services where she advised Senators on bills relating to Medicaid, behavioral health, and consumer protection. Prior to 2018, Allison worked for several years at the Maryland Department of Health both as the Director of Governmental Affairs and the Chief of Staff for Public Health Services.

Additionally, The Arc welcomes Jane Plapinger to its Board of Directors. Jane possesses over 40 years of experience in public health at nonprofit, governmental, and hospital organizations that will be a welcome addition to The Arc’s current advocacy efforts to increase access and opportunity for people with I/DD.

Most recently, Jane served as the Executive Director of the Maryland Coalition of Families, a Maryland nonprofit dedicated to improving behavioral health services and building a family-driven network of information and support. Prior to 2014, Jane served as the President & CEO for Baltimore Mental Health Systems and before that worked as the Assistant Commissioner in the Bureau of Planning, Evaluation & Quality Improvement for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

She earned a Bachelor of Human Biology from Brown University and a Master’s of Public Health from Columbia University’s School of Public Health. Jane was recognized with the Executive Leadership Award in 2021 by the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA).

“Jane’s dedication to building community and family-driven networks in the public health and behavioral health sector is an excellent asset to our Board,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc. “Her extensive leadership experience means she will bring a comprehensive perspective as we continue to expand our behavioral health services.”