About Us
Gary De Carolis: a wealth of experience
Gary De Carolis, M.Ed., is president of the Center for Community Leadership and author of the book, A View from the Balcony: Leadership Challenges in Systems of Care
With over 20 years of hands-on leadership experience in federal, state, and
local government, Mr. De Carolis has an extensive background in designing, building
and administering community-based systems of services and supports for children
with disabilities and their families. He has received major awards in recognition
of his outstanding service and leadership in children's mental health, including
two Vice-Presidential Hammer Awards for government innovations and the first
National Wraparound Award. Innovation and sharing knowledge across a broad range
of stakeholders are hallmarks of Mr. De Carolis' work. He initiated, helped develop
and served as a core faculty member for eight five-day Leadership Academies
for professional and parent leaders in community-based mental health systems.
Mr. De Carolis was also the driving force for a series of national Policy Academies and publication and distribution of 20 Promising Practices monographs in Systems of Care. He created and chaired the influential 150-member Federal/National Partnership for children's mental health. Mr. De Carolis has written and delivered scores of keynote speeches at national conferences on topics including leadership, public policy and children's mental health, and systems of care.
Mr. De Carolis also lectures and teaches extensively on these issues at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Professional Background: Gary De Carolis, M.Ed.
Chief, Child, Adolescent and Family Branch, federal Center for Mental Health Services, Rockville, MD, 1993-2002
Deputy Commissioner, Vermont Department of Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health (DDMH), 1987-1993
Leadership positions of increasing scope managing child, adolescent and family services for Vermont DDMH, including Director, Child, Adolescent and Family Unit, 1985-1993
City Councilor (elected three terms), Burlington, Vermont, 1981-1987
Counselor, Counseling and Testing Center, University of Vermont, 1979-1985
Associates
Kenley Wade, M.M. (Masters in Management), Illinois
Kenley Wade, M.M., is a management consultant with over 35 years of leadership experience specializing in leadership, organizational and systems assessment, strategic planning, and cultural competence. During a distinguished career as a state-level administrator in Illinois, Kenley was instrumental in developing community-based service systems for children and families. As a management consultant, Kenley has worked in 29 states and is a frequent speaker at national conferences and seminars.
Anne Lezak, M.P.A. (Masters in Public Administration), Vermont
Anne Lezak, M.P.A., a nationally-recognized consultant, specializes in policy, planning and services issues in mental health, children's and family services, and homelessness. Anne is a skilled writer, analyst, group facilitator, and teacher. In recent years she directed a non-profit youth-serving agency, and has held leadership positions on several boards. Prior to moving to Vermont in 1987, Anne worked for the National Institute of Mental Health, coordinating federal funding and efforts for people who are homeless and have mental illness.
