RMDSA E-Blast 2023

MARY ANN BARWICK RETIRES AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
ROCKY MOUNTAIN DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION - REALLY, THIS TIME!
Beloved leader ends her career serving those who
face the challenges of Down syndrome

DENVER, CO – February 15, 2023 - After being talked out of retirement to take the role
of Executive Director for the Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association (RMDSA)
once before, Mary Ann Barwick says the time has come. Following thirteen years with
the organization, she will retire effective June 30, 2023.

Upholding her track record of excellence, Barwick leaves on a high note. Under her
leadership, RMDSA celebrated its most successful Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk in
2022, raising $ 360,000 to serve their mission of assuring inclusion and advancing the
independence of people with Down Syndrome by providing education, resources, and
support in partnership with individuals, families, professionals, and the community.

Barwick joined the organization in 2010 as a part-time bookkeeper and served as Office
Manager, Volunteer Coordinator and Events before assuming the role of Executive
Director. In addition to growing the success of the Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk,
during her tenure, Barwick’s tremendous efforts have moved the nonprofit forward to
accomplish the following:

● developing outstanding people operations via a new employee handbook,
● establishing a merit-based compensation program,
● creating a performance management structure,
● relocating the RMDSA offices
● overseeing gracious offboarding and onboarding processes for the lean
organization

“Mary Ann’s love, care, and passion for individuals with disabilities—especially the Down
syndrome community—is unmatched. She is as comfortable in a boardroom with
business owners and large donors as she is onstage speaking to 4,000 walk
participants. She is a pleasure to work with in every way, and we are so grateful! We
will miss Mary Ann dearly and look forward to her staying a friend of RMDSA forever.”

To ensure a smooth transition, RMDSA plans to have a new Executive Director in place
by June 1 and has undertaken a candidate search, including internal and external
applicants. Those with skills in nonprofit management, fundraising, event programming,
people leadership, and a passion for individuals with disabilities are encouraged to
contact Board President Evelyn Walter at 720-290-0355 or ewjwalter12@gmail.com.

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The Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association

Since 1981, The Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association has provided support,
insight, and community for people with Down Syndrome, their families, and others who
care about issues surrounding their inclusion, upbringing, and independence. For more
information about RMDSA, find us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

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Contact: Evelyn J. Walter

Title: President, Board of Directors

Phone number: 720-290-0355

Email address: ewjwalter12@gmail.com