Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council (PADDC) Co-chairpersons, Chris Grandy and Shirley Keith Knox, are pleased to announce that Ms. Lisa Tesler has been appointed as its new Executive Director, following the retirement of Mr. Graham Mullholland in May. This appointment was recommended by a unanimous decision of the Council’s search committee.
For over twenty years, Ms. Tesler has been a passionate advocate and visionary who supports inclusion and meaningful lives for people with developmental disabilities. Her personal perspective as a family member, her professional and volunteer experiences, her collaborative style, and her solid belief in everyday lives for all, have fueled her strong leadership and organizational expertise.
Ms. Tesler is a graduate of Lafayette College, Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (C2P2) through Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities, The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities through the University of Delaware, and the Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador training through the University of Missouri—Kansas City Institute for Human Development. From 2005 to present, Lisa’s professional affiliation with Vision for Equality has involved providing resources and trainings for self-advocates and families as well as policy coordination. Most recently, Ms. Tesler has been the Director of the PA Family Network, a statewide initiative within Pennsylvania’s Community of Practice for Supporting Families throughout the Lifespan. She has recruited and trained over 50 family members to serve as mentors to others across the Commonwealth. In this capacity, she has also presented to audiences statewide as well as nationally.
In her own words, Ms. Tesler has said, “I envision a world where ALL people have access and opportunity to reach their full potential, ALL people feel welcomed and belong, ALL people can work and are honored for their contribution, and ALL members of a diverse community respect and value one another.”
Ms. Tesler will begin her new role as PADDC Executive Director on October 21, 2019.