ALBANY, N.Y. – Consumer Directed Choices (CDChoices), a nonprofit corporation providing payroll and administrative services to seniors and people with disabilities who manage their own home care, is pleased to welcome four new employees to its expanding team.
Catherine Budlong joins CDChoices as Director of Programs and Business Development, a role in which she will be responsible for both top-line revenue growth for the agency while exploring operational efficiencies and developing innovative strategies that will improve the bottom line. Budlong will be a key member of the leadership team, providing thought leadership on strategic initiatives, including agency planning, management issues, and special projects to further the agency’s growth.
Previously, Budlong served more than a decade at ARISE Child & Family Service, Inc. (ARISE), most recently as interim CEO. The $22M non-profit Independent Living Center covers Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, Seneca, and Madison Counties to provide services in the areas of advocacy, mental health, developmental and intellectual disabilities, aging, self-direction, accessibility, and inclusive recreation. Budlong earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University at Buffalo and her Master of Science for Teachers (MST) from Lemoyne College. Additionally, she received dual certification in Inclusive Childhood Education and Special Education. She is a graduate of Lead Up CNY, Leadership Cayuga, and Kid Central CNY board member.
Other new additions to the team include Jason Goodwin and Nicholas Arnold, who join as Service Coordinators, and Kimberly Dandino, who joins as Program Team Lead.
Goodwin and Arnold will be instrumental in onboarding new program participants and providing ongoing support through their program life cycle.
In her role, Dandino will monitor program participants to ensure they feel supported, including performing check-ins and follow-ups, as well as ensuring that any questions and concerns are promptly answered and addressed.
“We are thrilled to welcome new talent to our CDChoices team and look forward to the many ways in which they will allow us to better serve our growing client base,” said Christopher Graber, CDChoices Chief Executive Officer. “Expanding our team will strengthen customer service by cutting down response times, increasing the frequency of check-ins, and ultimately improving the lives of the consumers we serve.”
About Consumer Directed Choices: Consumer Directed Choices, Inc. (CDChoices) is a private, nonprofit corporation that acts as a fiscal intermediary providing payroll and program administration infrastructure to seniors and people with disabilities (Consumers) who employ Personal Assistant workers through the Medicaid program, Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA). CDChoices empowers Consumers who receive home care to enjoy greater flexibility and freedom of choice in obtaining services. Headquartered in Albany, New York, CDChoices has supported more than 3,400 Consumers and more than 10,000 Personal Assistants throughout New York State since 1997. Learn more by visiting cdchoices.org.
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