Each staff member at the Council is responsible for particular areas and issues.  If you have a question about a particular issue (e.g. housing, transportation, health, education), please contact the staff member who is responsible for that issue.  click here for an organizational chart Executive Director                                Brian Cox Manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities of the Council, and has the overall responsibility to  direct the activities and course of the Council, based on what the Council decides are the mission, goals and objectives, and in compliance with federal laws and requirements.  Brian advocates the Council's positions to policymakers and the public, works in collaboration with other organizations comprised of or involved with people with developmental disabilities and the broader community; hires, supervises and  evaluates Council staff.  In addition, he works on some of the following issues: Collaboration and Coordination with other agencies and groups. Health issues De-institutionalization from all facilities, including nursing homes The DDA Waiting List Initiative and Self-Determination Initiative Increasing knowledge within the legal community about selected disability issues and generic services Futures planning Coordination of Family NET Works project with the project director Legislative issues Outreach to the Korean and other underserved communities Working with national organizations that represent state Developmental Disabilities Councils Working on Selected Federal Issues Deputy Director                                    Catherine Lyle Administers the Council's grant program and develops the Council's requests for proposals according to Council priorities; maintains  financial records; maintains collaborative relationships with agencies serving people with developmental disabilities; acting in absence of executive director. Cathy is in charge of overall administrative and financial management for the Council, as well as assisting the Executive Director in the direction of the Council's overall activities.  In addition, she works on the following issues: Staff to the Adult Issues Committee Issues related to aging Transitioning youth Employment Assistive Technology Self-advocacy Quality Assurance and The Ask Me! Project Director of Communications              Jennifer Lefever Designs, edits, researches, composes and oversees production of Council newsletter, annual report, state plan and other publications;  plans and coordinates Council retreat, public hearings and forums; maintains collaborative relationships with agencies serving people with developmental disabilities.  Jennifer is in charge of dissemination of  information and communication with many audiences about the activities of the Council, and about inclusion of people with developmental disabilities.  She is also responsible for ensuring desired outcomes from  Council projects.  Some of her responsibilities include:  Staff to the Cross Cutting Issues Committee Council Membership and new member orientation Annual reports Long Term State Plans Council retreats Council Connection newsletter and annual Highlights Partners in Policymaking Transportation issues Web site development and information management Co-Directors, Public Policy Initiatives       Michelle Hart and Kelli Nelson Commences, coordinates, and participates in various initiates of the Council to further the Council's mission.  Researches,  synthesizes and reports on public policy, fiscal and programmatic issues; assists in monitoring legislative and administrative activities; maintains collaborative relationships with agencies serving people with developmental disabilities. Catriona is in charge of overall legislation analysis, monitoring, and coordination, and work on special projects and initiatives.  Some of her responsibilities include: Education Family supports Child care Children's issues Housing Member support Family and individual support services Staff to the Children and Family Issues Committee Office Manager                                     Linda Nelson Oversees office operations and provides administrative and clerical support; provides information and publications to the public regarding Council initiatives and community resources. Her responsibilities include: Responding to requests for information, referral, and assistance Scheduling and coordinating Council events Processing bills for payment Assisting with needs for Council members Maintaining Council records Family NETWorks, Resource Specialist                Stephanie Watkins Responsible for overall coordination of the Family NETWorks project including: Overseeing an interactive website Outreach to minority and underserved populations Identifying needed policy, programmatic and other systems changes and developing and implementing an action plan in partnership with the project Advisory Committee, Policy Panel and Council Executive Director.  Youth Empowerment Alliance, Project Director             Ann Marie Lane Responsible for overall YEA project development and management including: Working with grant partners at the state level and in Prince George’s and Harford Counties Developing and working with a project advisory committee and local steering committee Developing a comprehensive information and referral system for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities, their families, and professionals Developing and disseminating materials on best and promising practices relating to youth self-advocacy, student-led IEPs, transition services, employment, and self-determination Tracking mini-grants to youth-serving agencies.