CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership is excited to announce that Courtney Kelly will join the organization’s existing executive leadership as Vice President of State Initiatives, effective June 30, 2023.
In the position, Kelly will lead organizational efforts to better engage state governmental agencies, provider associations, managed care organizations (MCOs), developmental disabilities (DD) councils, advocacy groups, and other state entities across the human services field. She will develop strategies for delivering training, offering consultation, and nurturing relationships with states to enhance services, transform quality frameworks, improve quality of life for people supported, and more.
“We’ve been collaborating with Courtney for more than a decade,” says Mary Kay Rizzolo, President and CEO of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. “CQL’s so lucky to have her expertise, insights, and especially energy in helping us live out our vision and continue to pursue our mission.”
Kelly brings more than 20 years of experience in the human services field for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). She has a diverse background involving numerous leadership positions in state government and managed care, starting her career as a direct support professional (DSP).
“I know first-hand about the systemic impact that states have on provider organizations and people supported,” adds Kelly. “Connecting states to CQL’s internationally-recognized tools, approaches, and philosophies can truly transform the field.”
Through a multitude of approaches, Kelly will support and partner with statewide stakeholders to identify and achieve their goals and objectives. The tactics offered by CQL under Kelly’s leadership will include professional development opportunities, home and community-based settings (HCBS) waiver design and assessment, state quality management strategies, and more. She will also provide assistance with statewide implementation of CQL Network Accreditation.
Kelly previously served as Director of Operations for Liberty Healthcare Corporation. Prior to that position, she worked in a variety of roles for the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), most recently as the Assistant Commissioner of Accreditation and Person-Centered Practice. Before becoming Vice President of State Initiatives, Kelly was a member and secretary on CQL’s Board of Directors.
“I’ve worked with Courtney for a very long time, including on CQL’s board. She is a true professional with a stellar reputation in our field,” shares Laura Vegas, Board Chair of CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. “She will be a huge asset to CQL, states, providers, and people receiving services.”
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About CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership
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.
CQL Welcomes Courtney Kelly As Vice President of State Initiatives