Washington, D.C. – Ann Cameron Caldwell, Ph.D., has joined The Arc of the United States as the new Chief Research and Innovations Officer. Dr. Caldwell will be responsible for advancing The Arc’s mission at national and local levels through leading innovative growth and outcome opportunities in partnership with public agencies and philanthropic organizations, and implementing effective organizational metrics and knowledge management practices.

“Ann Cameron is widely respected in the disabilities field; she brings a wealth of experience in forging partnerships with philanthropic organizations, public agencies and others on behalf of people with disabilities. Her background in these areas and in academia will serve to strengthen and support The Arc’s continuing growth and momentum,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.

Prior to joining The Arc, Dr. Caldwell was Assistant Vice President for Grant Development at Easter Seals, Inc., a post she held since early 2007. In this role, she led grant development activities for the national headquarters in federal and foundation arenas, and contributed to the organization’s strategic development and knowledge management efforts.

Previously, Dr. Caldwell was an independent consultant to nonprofit organizations in strategic development and program evaluation. She obtained her doctorate in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2005, where she also was project coordinator of the Rehabilitation and Research Training and Technical Assistance Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities, funded by the National Institute of Disability Rehabilitation Research. Dr. Caldwell received her Master’s degree from The University of Chicago in 2000. She is also the parent of a teenager with Down syndrome.

The Arc is the world’s largest community-based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and has more than 140,000 members with approximately 730 affiliated state and local chapters across the nation. The Arc is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.