VOA Chesapeake & Carolina: Leadership & Board

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Candace Vanderwater

PRESIDENT & CEO

Candace Vanderwater serves as President and CEO of VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC), leading a $60M organization serving nearly 14,000 individuals across Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Carolinas.

Suzanne Tobin

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

As Chief Financial Officer, Suzanne Tobin has responsibility for the financial stability of the organization, financial growth and risk management. She provides leadership, management and financial strategy, which is necessary to ensure the financial stability of the organization. Her primary responsibilities included developing the financial strategy for the organization, improving and strengthening the IT infrastructure, and risk management.

Anthony Gibson

Chief People and Administrative Officer

As Chief People and Administrative Officer, Anthony “Gib” Gibson provides executive leadership for the core administrative functions of VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC), including Human Resources, Organizational Development, Housing & Asset Management, Facilities, and Compliance.

Torrance Poindexter

Vice President of Compliance

Vice President for Compliance Torrance Poindexter serves as the organization-wide vice president for compliance, where he leads program compliance efforts to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, internal policies, and stakeholder requirements.

Cyndi Thompson

Vice President of Organizational Excellence

As Vice President of Organizational Excellence at VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC), Cyndi Thompson leads the organization’s strategy for quality, data, and performance improvement. She oversees all Organizational Excellence functions, including quality assurance, data and analytics, and organizational development.

Laura Chen

Vice President of Finance

As Vice President of Finance at VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC), Laura Chen leads the organization’s financial strategy, ensuring fiscal responsibility and driving sustainable growth. She oversees all finance functions, including financial reporting, audits, and regulatory compliance.

Rob Silbaugh

Vice President of Development

Rob Silbaugh serves as the Vice President of Development for VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas, leading and growing the organization’s philanthropic efforts, including corporate and foundation giving, grant development, and fundraising events.

Susan Doyle

Vice President of the District of Columbia

Susan Doyle, MSW, LICSW serves as the Vice President for District of Columbia Programs at VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas. In this role, she provides strategic oversight for VOACC’s behavioral health, recovery, housing, and community-based services throughout Washington, DC, ensuring high-quality care and strong program performance across the region.

Darrin Mitchell

Vice President of MARYLAND

As the Vice President of Maryland for VOA Chesapeake & Carolinas, Darrin Mitchell is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and clinical responsibility for all programs in Maryland for behavioral health, homeless services, supportive housing and community re-entry.

Lisa Snider

Vice President of Virginia/DC Programs

As Vice President of Virginia/DC Programs, Lisa Snider provides strategic and operational leadership for all behavioral health, developmental disabilities, and residential service programs across Virginia and the District of Columbia. In this role, she oversees program quality, regulatory compliance, staff development, and service delivery to ensure individuals and families receive person-centered, evidence-informed care.

Dr. Ron Flack

VICE PRESIDENT of the CAROLINAS

As Vice President of the Carolinas Region, Dr. Ron Flack is responsible for overall strategic and operational goals (including internal operations, program expansion, risk management, leadership development and program evaluation) for all program areas in North and South Carolina.

Reverend Jules Christian

Chaplain

As the Chaplain for Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, Rev. Jules Christian is responsible for leading and guiding the organization to keep its spiritual focus, provide spiritual and emotional support, strengthen and expand faith and community partnerships, and oversee the Ministry team of our church without walls.

Mike Sheedy

Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Neighborhood Development Corporation

Mike Sheedy is the Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Neighborhood Development Corporation (MANDC). He is charged with establishing and operating this newly created affiliate of Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas as a premier non-profit regional affordable housing developer.

Helena Parks

Executive Director of HUMAN RESOURCES

As Executive Director of Human Resources, Helena Parks, manages daily operations of the Human Resources Department, including the supervision of employee benefits administration.

Tomeka Magagula

Director of Operations for Virginia/DC

As the Director of Operations for the Virginia region and DC I/DD Services, Tomeka Magagula is responsible for providing leadership and execution that supports and promotes the region’s strategic direction and programs under her purview. 

Joseph Martinez-Williams

Director of Operations for Maryland/DC

As Director of Operations for the District of Columbia and Maryland Regions, Joseph “Joe” Martinez-Williams oversees the regions’ compliance, quality assurance plan, and organization’s compliance directives/concerns with oversight agencies.

Sharita Williams

Executive Director of Information Technology

Sharita Williams serves as the Executive Director of Information Technology at Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC). In this role, she leads the organization’s information technology strategy, systems, and operations, ensuring technology effectively supports VOACC’s mission-driven work across housing, health, and human services.

Christine Langford-Dixon

Executive Assistant to President & CEO; EVP & CFO; and the Board of Directors

Christine Langford-Dixon serves as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, Executive Vice President & CFO, and Board of Directors at Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas. In this role, she provides high-level executive support, board management, and governance leadership, while also contributing to the Ministry Team to advance the organization’s mission of service.

Donna Cheung

HRIS Administrator, Executive Support to Chief People and Administrative Officer

Donna Cheung serves as the HRIS Administrator and Executive Support to the Chief People and Administrative Officer. In this role, she provides high-level executive support to the Chief People and Administrative Officer for day-to-day activities and special projects, as well as setting up and maintaining HCMS.