Leadership Profiles

Chris Wells: Executive Director

Chris Wells

Mr. Wells joins GVRA from the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), where he served as the Director of the Physical and Economic Development Division. Prior to OPB, he held several other policy and budget positions both in Georgia and South Carolina. Wells expressed his excitement for an opportunity to work on behalf of constituents with disabilities.

 

 

 

 

Jeff Allen: Assistant Director of Transition Services

Jeff Allen

Jeff will provide direct leadership and management to the VR Transition Services team. He will oversee the delivery of Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) and transition services statewide and ensure compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA).

 

 

 

 

Paige Tidwell-Cason: Assistant Director of Client Services

Paige Tidwell-Cason

As Assistant Director of Client Services, Paige will oversee the delivery of client services statewide through the provision of leadership to the District Managers and VR client services teams. She will be responsible for implementing effective accountability measures, adherence to program policies and federal regulations, monitoring program effectiveness and impact and ensuring staff have the tools and competencies needed so that agency goals are not only met but exceeded.  Paige will be joining GVRA September 1, 2020.

Julie O'Connor: Assistant Director of Program Support

Julie will provide leadership and direct management of the VR Program Support team. The Program Support team will facilitate efforts to improve performance and service provision and increase clients’ successful competitive integrated employment outcomes. The team will also ensure compliance with the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) regulations, WIOA, and Workforce Development, as well as oversee VR program initiatives and partner collaborations and develop and implement a robust training program for all VR staff. 

Sheila Pierce: Assistant Director of Provider Management

As Assistant Director of Provider Management, Sheila will provide leadership and direct management of the VR Provider Management team. She will oversee staff who directly interact with external partners, ensuring those relationships remain robust and client needs are served.