NASDDDS Welcomes New Team Member
Tami Goldsmith Selected as Membership Specialist
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) is pleased to announce Tami Goldsmith joined NASDDDS as a Membership Specialist on April 16. The Membership Specialist is a new role at NASDDDS grounded in the association’s commitment to keep the needs and interests of our members paramount in all endeavors. This position will involve collaboration with the entire NASDDDS team to infuse exemplary customer service; cutting edge technical assistance; and, real time support for member states and our partners. The position will operate within the association’s communications department allowing even greater expansion in this area.
With a diverse background spanning over two decades, Tami brings a wealth of experience and dedication to her current role. Prior to her tenure at NASDDDS, she spent 11 years at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, serving as the Project Coordinator of Neurodiversity and Community Workforce Development. In this role, Tami was responsible for cultivating relationships, policy advocacy, and growing a transition model that supports families and individuals to successfully transition from school individual education plan (IEP) services to adult waiver or employment resource services.
During her time at Kennedy Krieger, Goldsmith also served as the Program Coordinator for People On the Go Maryland at the Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, demonstrating her commitment to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. People On the Go Maryland is a statewide advocacy group based on the principle that all people, regardless of background, communication style, or disability, have the right to control their own lives.
Before transitioning her career towards disability services, Tami spent fifteen years in the law firm industry, where she excelled as the Director of Technology for Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy, & Ecker. However, it was her personal connection and motivation from her uncle with intellectual disabilities that ignited her passion for transformative work in the disabilities field.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tami actively supports various organizations and causes close to her heart. She serves as the Treasurer for the Maryland chapter of APSE (Association for People Supporting Employment First), advocating for inclusive employment practices. Additionally, she volunteers her time with the Orioles Advocates Charitable Foundation and participates in events hosted by Pathfinders for Autism, embodying her commitment to community engagement and support.
“NASDDDS’ commitment to our members is the guiding star in all our work,” said NASDDDS Executive Director, Mary Sowers. “The association is so very glad to welcome Tami in this new role and feel she truly embodies this dedication to supporting our member state agencies during times of increasing complexity in home and community-based services.”
See the full NASDDDS staff listing on our website here: LINK