Press Release  MDDC Appoints New Deputy Director, Jennifer Bertrand

Quincy, MA — The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Bertrand as Deputy Director, effective July 14th. Jennifer will be responsible for implementing Council policy and program initiatives, working with members, staff, and stakeholders to enhance policies and practices that support community inclusion for people with disabilities.

For nearly two decades Jennifer’s leadership contributions in the public policy arena have resulted in the significant advancement of human and civil rights for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD). “Jennifer was the best choice to join my team in moving the MDDC forward. She has been an exceptional team player and I believe she will be a strong leader in our pursuit of our mission," said Craig Hall, MDDC Executive Director

Jennifer’s professional career began in the field of education after she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Plymouth State University and worked as a public-school teacher. Jennifer later returned to further her education and graduated with distinction with a Master of Arts in Public Policy at New England College.

For more than a decade, Jennifer served as a Director of Public Policy at a nonprofit organization serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She has managed a wide range of policy priorities including issues related to housing, Medicaid funding, supported decision-making, education, healthcare, accessibility, and employment. Jennifer also served six years on the NH Council on Developmental Disabilities, five of those years as the Policy Committee Chairperson.

Driven by her lived experience as a mother, Jennifer has advanced the human rights of her now adult daughter and other people who experience I/DD. These rights are deeply personal to her and they fuel her passion for this work.

As she transitions from her role as the MDDC Disability Policy Specialist to Deputy Director, Jennifer is excited and honored to help lead the agency. She will oversee and direct the day-to-day operations, manage the development and implementation of the Council’s State Plan and coordinate the Council’s policy and legislative priorities. Jennifer is committed to empowering advocates to advance public policies that enable people with developmental disabilities to live with dignity and enjoy meaningful inclusive lives.

About the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council – The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) is an independent agency funded by the federal government to work with the state of Massachusetts to better support people with developmental disabilities and their families. MDDC’s mission is to help people with developmental disabilities have opportunities to lead successful lives in their communities; by supporting inclusive education, greater employment opportunities, and the right to make choices about where, with whom, and how they live.

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