Best Buddies Capital Region welcomes new State Director

We are thrilled to announce that Best Buddies Capital Region has selected Molly Laychak Whalen as its next State Director following a national search led by Carlyn Madden of Good Insight. Her first day was May 1, 2020.

“As a nonprofit leader, fundraising executive, and parent of children with autism, Molly has a unique set of skills that will enable us to take the Capital Region to the next level,” says Tommy McFly, Advisory Board Chair of Best Buddies Capital Region.

Molly brings over 30 years of experience in the capital region as a nonprofit executive and education and disability advocate. Prior to joining Best Buddies, she served as Executive Director of the District of Columbia Association for Special Education, where she led advocacy, outreach, and partnership engagement on behalf of special education schools, families, and students with disabilities. She previously held senior roles at Advocates for Justice and Education, Capital City Public Charter School, and the Ivymount School and Programs, among others. In 2011, she was recognized by St. John’s Community Service Advocacy Award for her support of people with disabilities in the District.

“I am deeply committed to Best Buddies’ vision of inclusivity and am so excited to bring my knowledge and experiences to our local community,” says Molly. “I am proud to work alongside our remarkable Capital Region team to enhance our services to students, families, and advocates in our area.”

Molly has deep roots in the Capital Region. She was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia. She lives with her family in Washington, DC.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunity for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Capital Region office serves the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org/capitalregion.

Good Insight provides executive recruitment and governance consulting to mission-driven organizations. We believe that good governance and the right leadership are essential to take your organization to the next level. Based in Washington, DC, we work with clients across the U.S. To stay updated on Good Insight’s services and clients’ job openings, please follow us at www.linkedin.com/company/Good-Insight.