South Yarmouth, MA – September 10, 2024 – Community Connections, a leading provider of services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, announces the retirement of President and CEO Dave Botting after nine remarkable years at the agency, with the last seven serving as President/CEO.
Dave’s tenure at Community Connections began in 2015, first as Chief Financial Officer and soon after as President and CEO. Throughout his leadership, Dave has exemplified the organization’s core values of heart, respect, inclusion, integrity, person-centered stewardship, and safety. His leadership approach has been grounded in compassion and commitment to every person served and the staff, always fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
Reflecting on his time with the organization, Dave shared: “It has been an immense privilege to lead Community Connections and be part of such a resilient and inspiring community. I will always cherish the heart and courage of the people we serve and the respect and trust placed in me and our staff to help them achieve their goals. These experiences have been at the center of my work here and have brought me immense joy.”
Dave’s career has been rich and diverse. His journey began with an enlistment in the U.S. Coast Guard, followed by roles in various industries including boat, chocolate, and mattress manufacturing. His career also spanned the home improvement and childcare sectors. But his true passion was realized at Community Connections, where he fulfilled a college aspiration to work in the disability services space. Under his leadership, Community Connections has grown in its mission to deliver person-centered, quality services and create an inclusive environment for all individuals.
During Dave’s seven years as CEO, he guided the agency through times of growth, transition, and challenges. His focus has always been on maintaining the highest standards of safety and integrity in all the services provided. He has been dedicated to ensuring that the organization’s resources are used effectively to ensure the sustainability of the agency well into the future. He has built a strong organizational culture where both staff and the people served feel welcomed, supported, and respected.
As Dave approaches his retirement, which will take place in the spring of 2025, the Board of Directors has initiated a thorough process to ensure a smooth leadership transition. They have engaged a search firm to identify a new CEO who will continue to uphold the values of inclusion, respect, and person-centered care that Dave has so deeply ingrained in the organization. “Though retiring was a difficult decision, I am confident that Community Connections will continue to thrive, guided by our values and supported by an exceptional team,”Dave says.
James Lopes, Chair of the Board, expressed the Board’s appreciation for Dave’s service: “Without question, Dave will be missed. During his tenure, he garnered the trust of Community Connections’ clients and staff alike. He has earned the respect of its funders and its Board while continuing to grow CCI’s reputation for performance in quality of care and client experience. The members of CCI’s Board are grateful for all that Dave has meant and wish him much happiness in this next phase. His past guidance and leadership have resulted in building a successful organization led by a strong management team that is positioned for success well into the future under a new CEO, whoever that may be.”
As Community Connections embarks on this new chapter, Dave’s legacy of heart, inclusion, and unwavering commitment to person-centered care will continue to shape the organization. His contributions will forever be a part of the fabric of the agency as it strives to ensure that all individuals with disabilities can live independent, fulfilling lives with dignity and respect.
About Community Connections Inc.
Since 1985, Community Connections has been providing life-enriching services that promote optimal independence for people with disabilities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod. The agency serves over 800 individuals through multiple programming opportunities, including day habilitation, employment services, life-skills, community-based day supports, social recreation, and supported living services. Community Connections is an Arc affiliate, an organization that focuses on providing education and advocacy for the people we serve and their families. The Arc is active in providing guidance and helping to set local, state, and national public policies affecting those we serve and their families.
For more information, visit communityconnectionsinc.org or follow us on social media @CommunityConnectionsInc.
