We are excited to welcome Gina Ruedin to the team. Gina is taking on the role of Chief Program Officer and we couldn’t be happier to have her on board. As Chief Program Officer, Gina is responsible for managing the overall quality and efficiencies of Community Living’s program portfolio, while driving the advancement of programs, staff and community partners in alignment with the organization’s overall mission and strategic goals.

Gina was connected with Community Living when she was working as a Case Manager with the DDRB (Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County). Gina monitored several participants in the Day and Residential programs. She said she knew that Community Living was a special community to work with, as well as a respected agency in the community and with fellow provider agencies. Gina continued to follow Community Living on social media and saw the Community Living leadership group at MARF and the Coalition meetings.

“I believed in the mission and vision and wanted to be a part of the amazing team that carries out the mission and vision.”

Gina comes to us with a proven track record of success in creating meaningful impact for the people she has served and many years of experience doing it. She believes her entire career in the Special Education field has prepared her for her new role. Gina began her career in Early Childhood Education and when she eventually stepped into the role of Case Manager for the DDRB her love to provide supports to adults blossomed. “I developed relationships with provider agencies, participants, families, and leaders in the industry.”

Gina said her career has taught her not only the professional and administration side of the business, but the impact that relationships, empathy and out of the box thinking can make. Her role with Resources for Human Development as a Service Line Director prepared her to manage multiple programs, leaders, participants, families and funders at one time.

“The tools, resources, knowledge and experiences I have had and learned along the way has made me a leader who listens, supports, develops relationships and makes it possible to continue to learn and grow.”

Gina looks forward to meeting and showing support to the participants and staff. She is excited about the opportunities to grow the agency and programs with the team. “I have really enjoyed exploring the programs, meeting the individuals and staff, and working on projects to enhance services.”

Outside of work, Gina enjoys spending time with her family, including her granddaughter who “keeps us on our toes.” Gina also has a special group of friends that share her love for being outdoors. They like to camp, explore, vacation and hang out together. When Gina isn’t outside working in her flower gardens or on a float trip with friends, you can find her cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks.