Rising Star Award
Mary Lynn Bisland, TARC Executive Director, believes that
people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
“allow scripture to come to life.” “Ministering to the needs
of others builds compassion and gives glory to God.” Mrs.
Bisland has a Masters Degree in Special Education and
has been affi liated with TARC since 1984, fi rst as a Special
Education Teacher, and then as a TARC Director beginning in
1992. She has been TARC Executive Director for 16 months.
Mary Lynn Bisland is a lifelong resident of Terrebonne
Parish and has been married to William “Brunnie” Bisland
for 37 years. She has three children: Billy, a General Surgeon;
Shelly, a Masters Pre-School Teacher; and Lydia, an Interior
Designer and MBA.
Rising Star Award
Laura Williams has been the Executive Director of The
Arc, Ocean County Chapter in New Jersey since 2004.
In collaboration with the board of directors and fi nance
director, Ms. Williams manages the agency’s $11 million
budget ensuring the delivery of quality supports and services
to 750 individuals with developmental disabilities and their
families. Ms. Williams began her career at The Arc, Morris
County Chapter as a group home supervisor. For the next 12
years, she served as a Director of the Supervised Apartment
Program for Community Access Unlimited where she gained
non-profi t management experience, earned an M.B.A. from
Rutgers, and rose to the position of Managing Assistant
Executive Director. When she joined The Arc, Ocean County
Chapter, Ms. Williams was faced with stabilizing an organization that
needed strong direction and leadership. As Executive Director, she
increased staff wages and upgraded technology, instituted longevity
bonuses for The Arc employees and expanded residential services.
Today, the organization is a leader in family support services and
provides an after-school program and comprehensive recreation
program for children and adults with severe, multiple disabilities. The
Respite Program is the largest, most comprehensive respite program
in New Jersey. Ms. Williams believes that a caring heart and can-do
attitude builds success and remains committed to the employees who
provide outstanding supports every day.
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