The DEC Executive Board is pleased to announce DEC’s new Executive Director, Leah Weiner, Ed.D. Leah brings a unique combination of experience, knowledge, and interests that position her well to lead DEC’s ongoing evolution into a vibrant, thriving membership organization. She blends knowledge of and expertise in organizational leadership with a passion for children with disabilities and their families.
As Executive Director of a nonprofit recreational program for children with disabilities, she successfully recruited over 2000 volunteers. Leah also brings fundraising experience as a Development Director for a nonprofit, developmental disability organization and for a major hospital. She spearheaded an advocacy training program related to education and disability. Leah has a strong commitment to equal access, particularly for children with disabilities living in poverty.
Leah holds a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Development and a Masters in Public Administration from Pepperdine University. She also has academic teaching experience in the area of Nonprofit Management. Leah has administered small and large organizational budgets, organized educational conferences, launched a national membership program, and created public relations and marketing campaigns. She is well-versed in capitalizing on social media to meet organizational objectives and in generating revenue through a variety of fund raising mechanisms.
Leah’s education and experiences are well aligned with the unique needs of membership organizations such as DEC. Leah brings great energy and a vision for moving DEC towards its mission of promoting policies and advancing evidence-based practices to support the optimal development of young children with special needs and their families.
Leah’s official start date is July 1, 2013.
