The Easter Seals UCP board of directors announced today that Luanne K. Welch has been named president and CEO of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia. Welch comes to the affiliate from Easter Seals South Florida where she served as president and CEO.

“Luanne has an exceptional track record of effective leadership and non-profit management,” said Elizabeth DeBiasi, board chair for Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia. “We are particularly pleased as Luanne’s acceptance marks a return to our organization. Her career started at Easter Seals UCP more than 30 years ago where she held several senior leadership positions.”

Welch has spent the last 7 years of her career at Easter Seals South Florida where she successfully increased revenue, opened Easter Seals Academy: Autism School, an educational program serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, created six Head Start / Early Head Start centers and formed effective teams to improve outcomes for the individuals and families living with disabilities. Prior to this role, Welch served as the chief operating officer and senior vice president of programs at Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia. She also spent time as a regional manager for national Easter Seals, Inc. headquartered in Chicago.

“I am humbled to serve our critical Easter Seals UCP mission 'back home' in the organization where I started my career. I look forward to working alongside an extraordinary group of employees and volunteers all over North Carolina and Virginia who share my passion for delivering quality services that directly support children, adults, and families with disabilities and special needs. With accountability, commitment and caring, Easter Seals UCP will leverage our individual and collective strengths as we continue to promote meaningful outcomes for the most vulnerable in our community.” said Luanne Welch.

Easter Seals UCP’s board of directors led a national search for a new president and CEO following Connie Cochran’s departure to become assistant commissioner for developmental services at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services this past December. Fred Waddle, chief compliance officer at Easter Seals UCP, was named interim CEO.

Welch will assume her role as president and CEO of Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia in mid-June, 2014.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia

Easter Seals UCP helps people see beyond the limits. Every day the organization connects people to meaningful solutions, allowing the individuals and families they support to fully participate in the life of the community. As a lifelong partner to people managing disabilities and mental health challenges Easter Seals UCP helps people live the life they choose to live – a life without limits. Established in 1945, the nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families throughout North Carolina and Virginia with an array of community-based services and solutions. EasterSealsUCP.com.

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