Joseph P. Ward, Esq., a Principal at Baltimore law firm Miles & Stockbridge, has been elected President of the Board of Directors at The Arc Baltimore.

One of the nation's largest and most respected organizations of its kind, The Arc Baltimore currently supports more than 6,000 Baltimore City and Baltimore County residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families.

Ward succeeds Neil A. MacDonald, Vice President Operations and Chief Plant Officer at MedStar Union Memorial and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospitals. MacDonald will continue to serve on The Arc Baltimore Board as Immediate Past President.

Other officers elected to The Arc Baltimore Board of Directors are: Thomas Sand, a Partner at Ernst & Young, who was named Vice President; Jill M. Vocci, OD, of Pediatric Eye Care of Maryland, who was elected Secretary; and Erik P. Daly, Vice President, PNC Institutional Asset Management and Managing Director, PNC Capital Advisors, who was named Treasurer.

In addition, Tracy Voelker, a self-advocate who currently serves as a receptionist at The Arc’s Loch Ridge Center, has been elected to the Board of Directors.

“Each of these individuals brings tremendous experience and skills to our dynamic Board of Directors,” says The Arc Baltimore’s Executive Director, Kathleen M. Durkin. “I’m particularly excited to see Joe assume the reins as President. He has demonstrated an incredible commitment to this organization and has displayed outstanding leadership skills in his previous positions as both Vice President and Secretary of the Board.”

“We have made significant progress on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Durkin continues, “but in the coming years, we will face both new opportunities and significant challenges. I am very confident that with the leadership of this Board, we are up to the task.”

About The Arc Baltimore

Dedicated to providing advocacy and high quality, life-changing supports since 1949 in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, The Arc Baltimore supports more than 6,000 adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As one of the nation's largest and most respected organizations of its kind, The Arc Baltimore is an indispensable resource, providing employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, respite care, public policy advocacy and information, and referrals. For more information, visit www.thearcbaltimore.org or call 410-296-2272.