Ann Graff, M.A.

Ann has a total of 35 years of executive-level experience in the nonprofit sector. During that time, she spent 6 years as CEO at a community action agency and 14 years as CEO of a large nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities. She knows how important it is to have the right leadership in place, especially when it comes to serving vulnerable populations.

Starting as a direct support professional, Ann’s career has included direct supervision of residential services, case management, human resources, expansion of services, and more. She has worked closely with a variety of people experiencing low income, developmental disabilities, and other challenges. Throughout her combined 20 years as a nonprofit CEO, Ann learned firsthand how critical it is to partner closely with clients, community stakeholders, funding sources and boards of directors.

As CEO of Center for Human Services for 14 years, Ann oversaw efforts to provide services to over 5,000 individuals with disabilities and their families in 39 counties in Missouri. Services included family and child development services, community employment services, residential and day services, and service coordination. During Ann’s tenure, the organization doubled their budget and reach across the state. CHS also earned state and national awards for excellence in employment services, Early Head Start and exemplary practice recognition from CARF.

Ann’s experience includes personnel management, strategic planning, organizational development, outcome measurement, and working directly with boards of directors. In addition, Ann has experience with federal programs such as HUD, Medicaid, and Medicaid Waiver, Early Head Start and Head Start, Community Services Block Grant, and Housing Development. Ann led her organization through their first CARF survey and served as a CARF administrative and program surveyor for 8 years.

Ann is committed to the community and to the development of exemplary services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at the state and national level. During her career Ann served as both a member and president on several national, state, and local boards. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to improve the quality, quantity, and scope of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which required consistent vision and ability to adapt and change to meet the current best practice standards.

As a Senior Search Consultant with The Moran Company, Ann knows that an organization’s mission can only be accomplished through the work of an efficient and effective team. Ann brings the ability to inspire leaders to do their best work. She holds a BSE in Special Education from the University of Central Missouri and an MA in Management and Human Resource Development from Webster University.