Rick Sebastian named Didlake president, succeeds Rex Parr

The board of directors of Didlake, Inc., a leading provider of employment and other opportunities for people with disabilities, has named Rick Sebastian as its new president, effective April 1.  

Sebastian, an executive with 30 years experience in the disability services arena, will assume the role of president as part of an ongoing transition process in which he will ultimately succeed current president and CEO Rex Parr.  Parr, who has led the organization since 1977, will remain as CEO while the transition plan is completed and continue to serve in a consulting capacity afterward. 

“The board undertook an exhaustive national search process to identify the best possible candidate to steer us into the future and continue the record of excellence established under Rex’s leadership. We have found that person. Rick is a motivational leader who is passionate about creating environments where all people excel, explore and live their aspirations and dreams. Most importantly, he shares our vision of communities enriched by the inclusion of people with disabilities in valued social roles,” Dr. Joseph Pascale, chairman of Didlake’s board of directors stated. 

“I’m truly excited to be joining this premier organization.  Didlake has a 50 year history of creating opportunities for people with disabilities and demonstrating the unlimited power of human potential,” said Sebastian. “I very much look forward to joining the team and furthering this impactful work and mission.” 

For the past 11 years, Sebastian has been the President/CEO of Human Technologies (HT), a Utica New York headquartered not-for-profit corporation, operating as a self-sustaining Social Enterprise. He is a prominent advocate and frequent speaker on advancing opportunities for self-determination, self-sufficiency, community engagement and meaningful employment. He serves on several national and international not-for-profit boards and holds degrees in Psychology (BS, Utica College of Syracuse University) and Pastoral Counseling (MS, Loyola University Maryland). 

Didlake, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation headquartered in Manassas, Virginia. It was founded in 1965 to create opportunities for people with disabilities through services that connect them to employment, education and the community. It provides contract business services for commercial and government customers and has won numerous awards for its facilities maintenance; packaging/ assembly; and administrative services.

The organization operates throughout the Washington, D.C. metro area, in the Roanoke Valley and in Greater Hampton Roads. It serves more than 2,000 people with disabilities annually. Didlake, Inc. is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, accredited by CARF and proudly serves the nation through the AbilityOne program. Its partners include the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, local Community Services Boards and United Way of the National Capital Area. For more information, visit didlake.org.