Appointments to National Policy Work Group
NASDDDS is pleased to announce the 2026 appointments to the National Policy Work Group (NPWG), reinforcing the Association’s commitment to ensuring that federal policy advocacy remains grounded in the real-world experiences of state and territorial IDD systems.
NASDDDS is honored to share Tony Green (NE) has been appointed Chair of the group, succeeding Julie Foster Hagan. Additionally, Betsy Hopkins (ME) and Beth Scrutchins (OK) have been reappointed to continue their service on the work group. Newly appointed members include Willow Baer (NY), Tina Bay (ND), Pete Cervinka (CA), and Sarah Peterson (MA).
Together, these directors bring broad geographic representation, diverse system perspectives, and deep subject matter expertise that will help strengthen NASDDDS’ national policy voice and advance priorities important to state IDD systems.
The NPWG plays a central and strategic role in advancing NASDDDS’ federal policy focus. The work group provides guidance to the Board of Directors and staff on emerging legislative and regulatory issues, analyzes the potential impact of federal proposals on state systems, and helps shape the Association’s policy priorities and strategies. In a rapidly evolving federal landscape, the NPWG ensures that NASDDDS’ member support reflects practical implementation realities, fiscal considerations, and the operational challenges states face in delivering high-quality, person-centered services.
State member leadership is critical to this work. Because states are responsible for administering and implementing federal policy, their insight is essential to shaping sound, achievable, and sustainable national solutions. Through the NPWG, state directors inform NASDDDS’ federal focus, ensuring that congressional outreach, regulatory feedback, and policy recommendations are rooted in real administrative experience and aligned with the needs of people with IDD and their families.
Dan Berland, Director of Federal Policy, stated, “The NPWG provides critical strategic insight that helps us anticipate implementation realities, elevate emerging state concerns, and advance thoughtful, coordinated policy solutions that are both impactful and achievable.”
“The strength of NASDDDS’ federal partnerships is rooted in the leadership of our state directors,” added Mary Sowers, Executive Director of NASDDDS. “The National Policy Work Group ensures that our policy discussions are informed by on-the-ground experience and reflect both the opportunities and challenges states face in supporting people with IDD. Their guidance is invaluable as we navigate an increasingly complex federal environment.”
NASDDDS deeply appreciates the service and leadership of these directors and looks forward to their continued contributions as the Association advances a strong, unified state voice in federal policy discussions.