Press Release
Media Contact:
Jennifer Kuper
Senior Writer & Editor
571-946-0020
Manassas, Va. (3/8/2023) – Didlake, Inc, a nonprofit that connects people with disabilities to employment and community engagement opportunities, announced today that it has opened a search for a new CEO. After nearly 30 years of successful leadership, Didlake’s current CEO, Donna Hollis, will retire in January 2024.
“The new President and CEO will build on the incredible leadership and dedication of Donna Hollis. The Board is extremely grateful for Donna’s longtime commitment to Didlake and for her inspirational leadership,” said Annejanette Pickens, Chairperson of Didlake’s Board of Directors. “When she retires next year, she will leave our organization stronger than ever and poised to produce an even greater impact in the region. We wish Donna every happiness as she begins this next phase.”
Founded in 1965, Didlake’s mission is to create opportunities that enrich the lives of people with disabilities. Since joining Didlake in 1995, Donna has brought remarkable dedication to Didlake’s mission and the people it serves. Among many other accomplishments, she spearheaded the development and implementation of Didlake’s current strategic plan and oversaw the construction of Didlake’s new headquarters. Donna’s strong background in the accounting and financial services industry has been instrumental in ensuring Didlake remains a fiscally secure and responsible organization while expanding its business solutions and services for people with disabilities.
“When I joined Didlake, we had a couple hundred employees, a few contract sites and a mailing business. We have grown exponentially, adding new programs and services so individuals with disabilities have choices in how they would like to integrate into their communities while also expanding our business service solutions for customers. We have developed strong business connections, leading many people and companies to realize the numerous benefits of having a disability-inclusive work culture,” Hollis said. “I’m inspired every day by everyone who has contributed to Didlake’s success over the years; this has truly been a collaborative effort.”
Didlake’s Board of Directors has retained an executive search firm, LeaderFit, and will conduct a national search for Donna’s successor. LeaderFit is partnering closely with Didlake’s Board-led search committee to identify Didlake’s CEO later this year. Donna will continue to lead the organization until her retirement in January 2024. Potential candidates may view the complete job description and submit their application here. All inquiries should be directed to Shaina Amaya at [email protected] or 202-827-2165.
About Didlake
Didlake is a nonprofit rehabilitative services organization headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. It was founded in 1965 to create opportunities for people with disabilities through services that connect them to employment, education and the community. Through its Day Support, Employment Services, and Workforce Support and Development programs, Didlake serves over 2,000 people with disabilities annually throughout Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Didlake is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, accredited by CARF, is CIMS-GB-certified, and proudly serves the nation through the AbilityOne® Program.
