National Center for Learning Disabilities Announces New President

June 27, 2016

By: Christina Samuels

Source: blogs.edweek.org

The New York-based National Center for Learning Disabilities, a disability advocacy organization that manages the popular website Understood, will be getting new leadership next month.

Mimi Clarke Corcoran will be the organization’s new president, starting on July 11. She will succeed James H. Wendorf, who will become senior adviser with the Poses Family Foundation, a philanthropy that focuses on learning and attention issues and that has supported NCLD’s work. Wendorf led the organization for 17 years.

Corcoran is currently the vice president of talent development at New Visions for Public Schools. Prior to that role, she was the president and chief executive officer of  ANDRUS, a non-profit focused on helping individuals and families overcome extreme childhood adversity.

Fred Poses, who serves as the chairman of the NCLD board and who founded the Poses Family Foundation, said in a statement that Corcoran was selected after an extensive search. Referring to the 20 percent of children and youth believed to have learning and attention difficulties, he said,

“She brings so much to our mission in support of the 1 in 5—deep experience in the education sector, a passion for making a difference and the talent to successfully lead our organization.”

Corcoran said in a statement that she was “thrilled to be joining NCLD as it seeks to expand its already impressive footprint in advocating nationally for programs and policies that best address learning and attention issues.”

She added, “My new role allows me to build on my career experiences, while affording me a new avenue to pursue a deep personal interest in helping individuals and families overcome obstacles and achieve life changing outcomes.”

After an extensive search, the board unanimously agreed that Mimi’s track record of leadership and excellence makes her the ideal choice for NCLD,” said NCLD Board Chairman Fred Poses. “On behalf of the entire board, I would also like to thank Jim for his 17 years of commitment and leadership. NCLD is now poised to make a transformative leap in impact to empower millions more – individuals, families, educators and others who care about learning and attention issues.”