Albany Advocacy Resource Center has new leadership

ALBANY — Albany Advocacy Resource Center officials say that after an extensive search Clyde R. “Sonny” Slate has been selected as the executive director for the agency, which also has a new deputy director.

Slate brings more than 30 years of experience in human services organizational administration in mental health, developmental disabilities, dually diagnosed and physical disability service populations. He served as the director of program services at Albany ARC from October 2013 until his appointment as executive director.

“I am very honored and excited to have been chosen as the executive director of the Albany ARC. … It is an honor and it is a challenge,” he said.

Slate served as the acting executive director for nine months before becoming the permanent director on July 1. He took over as the leader of Albany ARC as the five-year plan for the organization was completed.

“That plan is exciting, because it is going to expand (services) for pre-school,” he said.

In addition to expanding the preschool, the plan also calls for an after-school program to be brought in and for expansion of vocational opportunities.

“There is going to be lots in the pipeline … plenty to keep us busy,” he said.

Slate said the plan is designed to be fluid in nature to adjust to the needs of the individuals the ARC serves, and added that public relations, communication and education would also be among the expansions to be explored as part of the plan.

While these efforts are ongoing, advocacy for those with developmental disabilities will continue under the Gold Dome as well as in south Georgia, the executive director said.

“It’s an open adventure,” Slate said.

Asked if he felt up to the task of leading the organization, Slate said: “I wouldn’t say ‘task,’ I’d say ‘challenge.’ Yes, I am comfortable in this role … This is something I am very passionate about.’

Before coming to the Albany ARC, Slate was the chief operating officer for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Services at Georgia Regional Hospital at Atlanta. He also served as the assistant superintendent for administrative services for the Tennessee Department for Mental Health at the Memphis Mental Health Institute.

Slate has a master of art in interdisciplinary studies — human growth and development from the University of Memphis. He completed additional graduate courses at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He also holds a bachelor of science in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Slate said that, while ready for the challenge, he could not do the job by himself. He needs a good team, which he said is in place at ARC. Among them is DeAnna Julian.

Julian started working as the deputy director for the agency on July 20. Officials at the ARC say Julian brings more than 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities as an educator and administrative service coordinator. She most recently was the post-secondary transition coordinator for the Lee County School System — making her primarily responsible for the facilitation of appropriate transition for students with disabilities into post-secondary education, employment or agency placement.

“She brings a wealth of knowledge in education,” Slate said. “(We are) going to drive this train.

“In just the short time we have worked together, we have worked on big projects.”

One such project is a new facility for the ARC pre-school, which Slate said will be ready for opening by the end of the month and allow the number of current slots to double from 25 to 50.

The same facility, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Taft Avenue, is expected to house after-school services starting in January, he said.

“I’m very excited about the new facility,” Slate said.

Julian holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and health and physical education from Georgia Southwestern State University, as well as teaching certificates in early childhood, physical education and special education for K-12. She also holds a master’s degree in education and transition services from the University of Kansas.

Annette T. Bowling, the retired executive director, will continue to provide consultation to the agency, ARC officials said.

Founded in 1963 to advocate on behalf of persons with disabilities, Albany ARC serves individuals with a wide range of disabilities and supportive living needs.

“Albany is very fortunate to have this organization here … This is probably the most diverse (organization) that is a non-profit,” Slate said. “We have 12 different programs.

“(The ARC’s progress) is a testament of the leadership that Annette Bowling gave to the organization. We have an active board that is very committed to the agency … I’m excited to have the opportunity. I’m excited about what the future holds.”