This week we are taking a moment to introduce you to our newest board members Katherine Dunbar, Chester Finn and Chet Tschetter. “As the NADSP continues to grow and advance our mission, it is important that we add leaders to our board who possess different areas of expertise that will inform us, challenge us and help us maintain our course”, says Joseph Macbeth, NADSP President and Chief Executive Officer, adding “Knowing Chester, Kate and Chet, they will each do that and we’re eager to have them join us in September”. You can read the bios below to learn more about our newest members of the NADSP Board of Directors.

Katherine Dunbar

Katherine Dunbar is the Vice President of Accreditation for CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. Dunbar oversees all aspects of the accreditation processes from development to delivery, while providing leadership for CQL staff, creating accreditation-related resources and building relationships with CQL’s partners.

Katherine has over 20 years of experience in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, holding various positions in organizational leadership and overseeing hundreds of people in multiple states. Prior to serving as Director of Accreditation, Katherine was a CQL Quality Enhancement Specialist, providing accreditation, monitoring, evaluation, training and consultation to human service organizations.

Katherine is experienced in the use of Personal Outcome Measures® and assisting people in writing person-centered plans based on what really matters in their lives. She is also experienced in using Basic Assurances® for strategic planning, as well as the implementation of organizational systems and practices. Katherine led her previous organization in attaining multiple successful accreditations by CQL. Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri.

Chester Finn

Chester Finn is employed by NYS OPWDD (New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities). He is a nationally known Disability Rights Activists who served 3 terms as National President of SABE (Self Advocates Becoming Empowered) and is a past President and Founder of SANYS (Self Advocacy Association of NYS). He is currently an Advisor for SANYS. Chester was appointed by President Obama to the National Council on Disability. Chester will also is well known for singing the Songs of our Movement. In his free time, he enjoys playing instruments and attends sporting events like the New York Yankees and WWE wrestling. He has Alabama roots and loves Alabama Football.

Chet Tschetter

Chet Tschetter is an Education Specialist at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration Research and Training Center (ICI RTC). At ICI she is a contributing author for the College of Direct Support, Co-editor for Frontline Initiatives (a publication for DSPs), trainer and contributors to system change to Person Centered Practices and Workforce issues for community services. She was a Camp Professional directing resident and day camps, respite programs, a work-leisure program, and travel program for individuals receiving services for 20 years. Chet has supported individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in securing employment and/or navigating university. She worked for the Autism Society of Minnesota where she provided training in the community, provided classes and events for children and adults with ASD, wrote and administered grants to support the organizations education programs. Chet is the author of 101 Tips for Supporting Camper with Autism, 2013, Healthy Learning, Monterey, CA. Chet has a BA in Elementary Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Chet and her partner live in Minneapolis with their furry family.