Pennsylvania Director Elected NASDDDS Board Secretary/Treasurer

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) is pleased to announce the selection of Director Kristin Ahrens (PA) as the new Secretary/Treasurer of the NASDDDS Board of Directors. She succeeds outgoing Secretary/Treasurer Director, Julie Foster Hagan, whose service and leadership on the Board are deeply appreciated.

Director Ahrens serves as the Deputy Secretary for Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) within the Department of Human Services, where she leads statewide efforts to strengthen supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Prior to her appointment as Deputy Secretary, Director Ahrens served as Director of the Bureau of Policy and Quality Management at ODP and as Policy Director for Pennsylvania’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. Before moving to Pennsylvania, she served as director of Self-Determination Resources Inc. (SDRI), a regional brokerage serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oregon.

Director Ahrens brings more than 30 years of experience advancing services for people with IDD. Her work spans advocacy, community education, supported living, family support, and self-directed services, including the development and management of several self-directed service models.

Director Ahrens holds a Master’s degree in Education and a Disability Studies Certificate from Temple University.

“Kristin has been an invaluable member of the NASDDDS Board,” said NASDDDS Executive Director Mary Sowers. “Her experience and leadership will continue to strengthen our work as she steps into this new role.”

See the NASDDDS Board webpage at THIS LINK.

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