Board members identify the needs of people with developmental disabilities (DD) and their families. Members then help to promote good policies, programs and services. These actions should meet the needs of people with DD in a way that is respectful.

Who Serves on the Board?

The Governor appoints 31 of the VBPD’s 40 Board members. The remaining nine members are from state agencies and other groups, as required by the DD Act. Board members serve four or eight years. At least 60% of our members must be people with developmental disabilities (DD) and family members of people with DD. The Board must be as diverse as Virginia’s citizens. We welcome applications each year.

Become a Board Member

Board Members

Executive Committee

  • Chair: Niki Zimmerman
  • Vice-Chair: Dennis Findley
  • Secretary: Phil Caldwell
  • At-Large: Nadia Rauhala
  • At-Large: Olivia Price
  • At-Large: Mary Vought
  • AOT Committee Chair: Allison Coles-Johnson
  • IC Committee Chair: Lindsay Pearce
  • PAC Committee Chair: Kyle Jones

State Agency & DD Group Members

  • Marcus Allen, Virginia Department of Health (VDH)
  • Ann Bevan, Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
  • Parthy Dinora, VCU Partnership for People with Disabilities (UCEDD)
  • Rick Mitchell, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI)
  • Richard Kriner, Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
  • Deanna Parker, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS)
  • Eric Raff, Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH)
  • Samantha Hollins, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
  • Colleen Miller, disAbility Law Center of Virginia (dLCV)

Chosen by the Governor

  • Phil Caldwell
  • Frank Carillo
  • Brandon Cassady
  • Allison Coles-Johnson
  • Conner Cummings
  • Cathy Edwards
  • Dennis Findley
  • Adrian Frierson
  • Jennifer Greene
  • Karen Grizzard
  • Melinda Hanko
  • Kyle Jones
  • Jennifer Kelly
  • Sarah Kranz-Ciment
  • Thomas Leach
  • Dennis Lites
  • Rob Matuszak
  • Lindsay Pearse
  • Olivia Price
  • Nadia Rauhala
  • Melanie Rice
  • Matthew Shapiro
  • Nicholas Sladic
  • Sarah Taylor
  • Mary Vought
  • Niki Zimmerman
Committees

We have three committees that help us achieve our State Plan goals. Our Board members choose to be part of one of these committees. Their ideas help the VBPD’s day-to-day work, planning and projects.

View Committees

Current Board Calendar

Jun4
VBPD Quarterly MeetingPast Board Meetings