The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the leading human rights organisation for all individuals with Down syndrome, has named Kandi Pickard President and CEO effective immediately. Pickard most recently served as Interim President and CEO. 
 
NDSS Chairman of the Board, Gordon Spoor, emphasised Kandi’s insight into the disability movement.
 
“As our board was looking for the next leader to help us further our organisation to new programmatic heights, we felt Kandi’s shared experiences at NDSS as well as her perspective being a mum in our community made her the perfect leader. Kandi’s vision for our NDSS future will bring more emphasis on long-term growth with programming serving across the lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome.”
 
Pickard, as Interim President and CEO, set a clear vision for the future of NDSS with her push to address care-giving and adult issues. As she takes on the permanent President and CEO role, her focus will be on working side-by-side with all constituency groups ready to tackle issues across the lifespan. 
 
“It is pretty humbling as a mum from Fort Wayne, Indiana to be chosen as the leader for such a prestigious and life-changing organisation,” said Pickard. “Five years ago, I was the Vice-Chairman of the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Indiana. Looking back, my experience as a local volunteer, and most importantly as Mason’s mum, has prepared me to take NDSS to the next level given my shared role as not only its new leader, but as a parent in the Down syndrome community.”
 
Betsy Goodwin, NDSS Founder and Former President and CEO said, “I am so pleased our new President and CEO has hands on experience as a passionate local leader in her community and has served NDSS as a highly valued senior staff member dealing with equal rights and opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome.