Leadership is essential for any organization. Its presence and impact can be measured and defined in numerous ways.

For me, the essence of leadership can be summed up with one simple question: “Can you grow those around you?”

In the seven years serving as Executive Director, Ron Sharpe has been a true example of leadership. He has doubled the programming available to our clients, led the development of transportation and housing services, and grown the reach of the Arc of the Bay to eight different counties.

Under his guidance, the staff has grown professionally and personally. Clients have received life-changing experiences and services.

In light of the Arc’s tremendous growth, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Sharpe from Executive Director to the first ever President/CEO in agency history.

Additionally, Joan White, the Arc’s Associate Director, has been promoted to Chief Operations Officer. Joan has been, and will continue to be, an essential piece of the Arc’s success.

We are both thankful and excited to see where these two leaders take the Arc in this next chapter.

Jeremy S. Jernigan, MBA, SHRM-SCP