The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) has elected Dr. Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and CEO of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership, to the AAIDD Board of Directors. In this role, Dr. Rizzolo will contribute to key decisions that will help fulfill the organization’s purpose. Dr. Rizzolo is a Fellow of the Association (FAAIDD) and a past recipient of the AAIDD Leadership Award. Along with these designations, she has served on various AAIDD conference planning committees, book advisory committees, scholarship review committees, and has been a guest reviewer for multiple AAIDD journals.
“AAIDD welcomes Dr. Rizzolo to the Board,” said Dr. Margaret Nygren, Executive Director & CEO of AAIDD. “She brings a wealth of knowledge expertise that will enhance the organization’s strategic planning and decision-making.”
Prior to serving as CQL’s President and CEO, Dr. Rizzolo was the Associate Director of the Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD), a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) in Illinois. She worked as the Policy Mentor of the IL LEND Program, Director of Evaluation for the Family Support Research and Training Center, researcher at the Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities (University of Colorado), and a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional in North Carolina. Dr. Rizzolo also worked on the ‘State of the States in Developmental Disabilities’ project for twenty years.
“I’ve been involved in a lot of different AAIDD projects over the course of many years, so it’s an honor to join the Board of Directors,” says Dr. Mary Kay Rizzolo, CQL President & CEO. “AAIDD plays an essential role in our field with an important mission. I’m grateful to help support the organization in continuing to fulfill that mission.”
An award-winning professional in the field, Dr. Rizzolo has received numerous accolades throughout her career. She has been honored with various awards from organizations such as the National Historic Recognition Project, the Student Council of the College of Applied Health Sciences (UIC), the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), and the Community Action to Reach the Elderly. Dr. Rizzolo has also authored or co-authored research covering topics like long term services and supports funding, voting, emerging technologies, family support, transportation, employment supports, quality of life, and personal outcomes.
She has served on numerous national advisory committees, task forces, commissions, and boards of directors. Dr. Rizzolo earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in psychology from North Carolina Central University, and a doctorate in public health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
About AAIDD
AAIDD is the oldest and largest interdisciplinary membership organization of professionals and others concerned about intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1876, AAIDD promotes progressive policies, sound research, effective practices and universal human rights for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2025-2026 AAIDD Board of Directors
Dr. Rizzolo will join an accomplished board of directors that guide AAIDD in achieving its strategic objectives. The board of directors includes national leaders with a combined 100+ years of experience in the field, spanning sectors such as education, advocacy, research, health, wellness, policy, and other areas.
- Anthony Rodriguez, PhD, FAAIDD – President
- Vincent Chesney, MS, FAAIDD – President Elect
- Sarah Hall, PhD, FAAIDD – Vice President
- Julie Bershadsky, PhD – Secretary/Treasurer
- Melissa A. DiSipio, MSA, FAAIDD – Past President
- Kruti Acharya, MD, FAAIDD – Member at Large
- Justin Kuehl, PsyD, FAAIDD – Member at Large
- Carol B. Laws, PhD, FAAIDD – Member at Large
- Mary Kay Rizzolo, PhD, FAAIDD – Member at Large
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Since 1969, CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership has been a leader in working with human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure, and improve quality of life and quality of services for youth, adults, and older adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities. CQL offers accreditation, training, certification, research, and consultation services to agencies that share our vision of dignity, opportunity, and community for all people.
AAIDD Elects Dr. Mary Kay Rizzolo to AAIDD Board of Directors