Letter from Leadership: Building Momentum for Georgia’s Disability Community

Happy Fall! The season of cool breezes, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice lattes is here.

I’m excited to introduce myself as the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (GCDD) new Chief Program Officer. In this role, I’ll be working closely with the GCDD staff and council members to guide the agency’s work and help shape our next five-year plan.

The five-year plan is our roadmap. It lays out what the council members want to see happen with and for Georgians with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) over the next five years. Every project GCDD does is reflective of this plan.

We are fortunate to partner with incredible organizations that bring this vision to life. Our partners include Sangha Unity Network, who are making powerful strides in self-advocacy. Lipson Advocacy is pushing for accountability in education through the Georgia Coalition for Equity in Education (GCEE). Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium (GAIPSEC) is expanding opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) to attend college after high school. These are just a few examples of the great work the agency is doing. As Chief Program Officer, I will be making sure our projects stay true to the five-year plan and truly impact the lives of people with I/DD across Georgia.

I feel grateful to join such a talented staff team and Council Members who volunteer and are so deeply committed. Being in a room with this group is inspiring – the passion and determination are contagious. Together, I know we will keep building momentum.

The best is yet to come.

Rena Harris, GCDD Chief Program Officer