Ability Works appoints new CEO

PERKINS TWP. — Ability Works' board of directors on Friday announced the selection and hiring of Doreen Ehlert as the new chief executive oﬃcer. Ehlert will succeed Laura LaGodney, current CEO, and assume responsibilities in May. LaGodney is staying on through April to ensure a smooth transition. "Doreen is the right leader for Ability Works," LaGodney said. Ehlert received her master's degree in organizational development in 2016 and has a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in psychology. An organizational statement notes, "Ehlert has several years of experience in the developmental disability world. Most recently, she worked for Wood Lane Industries and became the chief operating oﬃcer." LaGodney guided the company through many changes when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, integrated innovative technology into services and pushed the company to improve all disability services. She is stepping down to due health reasons but will continue to support Ability Works as a board member and through fundraising initiatives. Alan Furey, the board of directors' president, spoke about what drove his counterparts and himself to select Ehlert. "We are fortunate to have someone with Doreen's skills, vision and expertise at such a pivotal time in our growth," Furey said. "She brings a wealth of experience to our organization, and she will ﬁt in well with our culture all while drawing on her comprehensive skills, mindset and experience to lead Ability Works into the future." For more than 45 years, Ability Works has been working to find ways people with disabilities can participate in everyday activities and all aspects of the community. "We provide day services, homemaker-personal care, career planning, non-medical transportation and our new Clark Family Sensory Space," according to an organizational statement. "Our vision is to provide the highest quality support opportunities that are respectful of and responsive to each individual person's preferences, needs and values."