Larner-Beckett Selected to Chair Providence’s Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aimee Bullen
August 30, 2017
443-825-4128

Larner-Beckett Selected to Chair Providence’s Board of Directors

Glen Burnie – Providence, a non-profit organization that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced today that Dr. Cathleen P. Larner-Beckett has been selected to Chair Providence’s Board of Directors. Her appointment was effective on July 19, 2017; she previously served as Vice Chairman of Providence’s Board.

Larner-Beckett is past Principal of Ruth Parker Eason School in Millersville. Her career has been devoted to providing education for children with disabilities. Prior to Ruth Eason, Larner-Beckett was the Nonpublic School Approval Specialist for the Maryland State Department of Education, Director of Educational Services for The Children’s Guild and Principal, Director and Research and Development Coordinator for the Pathways School. Larner-Beckett began her career as a Special Education Teacher with the Prince George’s County Public School System. She received her bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland and her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Specialist in Education degree and Doctorate in Education from George Washington University. In addition to Providence, current and previous civic activities include the Civitan Club of Glen Burnie, the Romancoke on the Bay Improvement Association and the Prince George’s County Educators Association.

Karen Adams-Gilchrist, Providence’s President and CEO, said, “We are fortunate to have someone with such a clear passion for supporting people with disabilities to lead our board and help shape the direction of Providence. Cathy’s expertise will be invaluable as we continue to help people live their best possible lives here in Anne Arundel County.”

Larner-Beckett said, “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that is doing such good work for people and their families. I am grateful to be surrounded by such a talented team including our CEO Karen Adams-Gilchrist and her staff, as well as my fellow Directors, influential members of the community who are each bringing their own expertise and perspective to support the mission of Providence.” She added, “I especially want to thank our outgoing Chair, Chuck Goodman, for providing such a strong foundation to continue our work.”

Larner-Beckett succeeds Charles “Chuck” Goodman, Founding Principal of CRGA Design, who has served Providence as Chairman of the Board for the past eight years.

Providence Board of Directors are Cathleen Larner-Beckett, Chair; F.P. “Rick” Hunsicker, Vice Chair; Thomas Weigand, Treasurer; Sean Doordan, Secretary; Colleen Baldwin; Doug Burgett; Sally Wern Comport; Conor Gilligan; Rob Manigold; Julie Natoli; Carol Snyder; Mary Ellen Tuma and Winship Wheatley.

Providence, a non-profit organization based in Anne Arundel County, supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, grow and advocate for the lives they want within their communities. We believe that community is meant for every person and that with the right placement and support, people can work in meaningful jobs, earn competitive wages and contribute the way they want to the greater community.

Providence meets the growing needs of nearly 450 men and women through a comprehensive mix of programs and services including job discovery, vocational training and supported employment, skills training for activities of daily living, and transportation.