Loveland Center welcomes new board members

The Loveland Center (LovelandCenter.org), a nonprofit that provides educational, vocational and residential services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently installed three new board members.

Senator Nancy Detert, David Williams and Dr. Jim Woods will serve a three-year term on the nonprofit’s board. The new board members join Loveland Center’s current 8-person board, which includes James Ball, Johnny Britton, Secretary Cathleen Kenney, President/CEO Daniela Koci, Chair Debbie LaPinska, Robert Lewandowski, Alison Liska and Treasurer William L. Mehserle Jr.

"All of our board members bring a unique set of skills and commitment to the organization’s governance,” said LaPinska, chair of the Loveland Center board. "We believe Nancy, David and Jim are great additions to our team and will continue to contribute to the success of the Loveland Center and our mission of helping adults with developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest.”

A longtime Venice resident, Detert was instrumental in securing the legislative and state funding allocations that helped ensure affordable housing for adults with development disabilities. Because of her dedication to the cause, construction for the Loveland Village commenced. During her career in public service, she has served in the Florida Senate, House of Representatives and Sarasota County School Board. Next month, Detert will take a seat on Sarasota County Commission.

Williams, who has a son being served by Loveland Village, has held a succession of positions in the state and federal government, working for a number of agencies in the human services field for 32 years. Before retiring, he served as the deputy director for management, budget and personnel for the Social Security Administration inside The John F. Kennedy Federal Building in Boston, Mass. He began his career as a social worker for Connecticut.

Dr. Woods started his involvement with Loveland Center in 2013, when he served as chairman for the Loveland Village capital campaign. In three years, Dr. Woods helped the organization reach its target fundraising goal of more than $12 million to build an apartment complex for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Previously, Dr. Woods served as the CEO of the State College of Florida, president of Bon Secours Venice Hospital Foundation and a councilman for Venice City Council.

The Loveland Center’s board of directors is responsible for supporting Loveland Center’s mission, vision, goals, policies and programs as well as being an advocate for the nonprofit throughout the community, exercising fiduciary oversight and actively participating in the long-range and strategic planning.

About Loveland Center

Established in 1962, the Loveland Center strives to help adults with developmental disabilities live their lives to the fullest. The nonprofit was founded by a group of parents who sought to provide a productive and safe place for adults with developmental disabilities. Loveland Center provides educational programs and vocational training for individuals with developmental disabilities. For more information, visit www.LovelandCenter.org or call 941.493.0016.