UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) has named Cindy Thomas, MS, CRC its new director. Thomas has worked for ICI for more than 30 years, most recently serving as interim director.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead ICI,” Thomas said. “This is an amazing organization, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and our many partners to continue to advance our mission of inclusion.”
Sheila Fesko led the national search. Fesko is the program manager for ICI and the associate dean and director of UMass Boston’s School for Global Inclusion and Social Development, of which ICI is a part.
“Cindy was simply the best candidate for this position,” Fesko said. “Her strengths are many-she is a skilled consensus builder, a great listener, an able problem solver, fair, talented, detailed, and passionate about our mission.”
Thomas has extensive experience working with and for individuals with disabilities, providing employment services, training, and technical assistance. Additionally, she has worked with state agencies serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the vocational rehabilitation system, community rehabilitation providers, and the workforce development system. She has served as the principal investigator for multiple federal and state grants and contracts, and has presented nationally on employment issues and community inclusion. Currently, Thomas is working on initiatives in the areas of state-level systems change and provider capacity building and transformation. She has a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.
The School for Global Inclusion, and in turn the Institute of Community Inclusion, are part of UMass Boston’s College of Education and Human Development.