All About Developmental Disabilities Names Kathy Keeley New Executive Director

ATLANTA - May 13, 2013 - PRLog -- All About Developmental Disabilities today announced that it has named Kathy Keeley as its new Executive Director, effective immediately.  Keeley will be responsible for all operations, education efforts, outreach and training programs, and advocacy efforts for the Atlanta-based non-profit, which serves people with disabilities across Georgia.

Annually, AADD provides support services, advocacy and training to more than 2,000 individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. The organization is dedicated to creating lifelong support, education and opportunities for children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities.  

Keeley has been serving as Interim Executive Director since August 2012.  For more than 16 years she has provided consulting services through her company, The Keeley Group, with a focus on strategic planning, economic development, finance and performance management.  The firm provides feasibility studies, business plans, strategic planning, project and design consulting and financial modeling.

“We are thrilled to have Kathy Keeley leading AADD as our Executive Director,” said Lisa Blanco, AADD Board Chair.  “She brings a top caliber professional background with extensive business and strategic experience.  She has the passion and talent to take our organization to the next level.”

“All About Mom’s” Campaign Launches

AADD also launched today the “All About Moms” campaign to raise awareness and generate support for mothers across the country working hard/struggling to raise children with developmental disabilities.

In many cases, mothers are the primary caregivers for their children with developmental disabilities.  They make many personal sacrifices to provide for their sons and daughters.

●      These moms are often isolated, extremely busy with jobs and care giving, leaving little time for themselves or participation in the community.

●      Mothers of children with developmental disabilities are often single and dedicate their lives to raising and caring for their children through childhood and adulthood.

●      Often 70 and 80-year-old women are still caring for their adult children.  

The “All About Moms” campaign will educate people and communities on ways they can support moms raising children with physical or intellectual disabilities who may really need a hand, but do not have the time, resources or energy to reach out on their own.

The campaign will create a framework and template for community support. Beyond families and close friends, that community might include neighbors, co-workers and employers.

More About Kathy Keeley

Keeley has served clients across the U.S. and in 20 countries worldwide including: the City of Las Vegas, Script International (South America), The National Black Arts Festival, the Community Foundation of Metropolitan Atlanta, Quality Care for Children, Georgia Community Support and Services and the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.

“It has always been important in my career to make a difference in the lives of others, and this position with AADD is a significant opportunity to impact the lives of those living with developmental disabilities in the state of Georgia,” said Keeley.  “This is a challenging time to be running a nonprofit, or any community-based program, and I intend to be a leader and champion for new service delivery models.”

Kathy Keeley’s employment background includes:

●      Founded the Women’s Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO); Served as its president for ten years

●      Chief of staff for Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Benton

●      Senior Fellow and Program Director, Corporation for Enterprise Development (Washington, D.C.)

●      Co-Founder, Association of Enterprise Opportunity

About All About Developmental Disabilities

Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating lifelong support, education and opportunities for children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities.  AADD provides support services, advocacy and training to families living with developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities.  Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities often manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term.  Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases.  AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement.  For more information, go to www.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777.

Contact: Mitch Leff, mitch@leffassociates.com, (404) 861-4796