Jonathon Rondeau

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Jonathon Rondeau

President & CEO
The Arc Central Chesapeake Region

As the head of a nonprofit dedicated to helping disabled men and women in Anne Arundel County and on the Eastern Shore, Jonathon Rondeau realizes the importance of a diverse, inclusive workplace.

And so, he is proud of the fact that his organization, the Arc Central Chesapeake Region, reflects that diversity. “Our employees hail from all walks of life and have their own unique needs when it comes to feeling included and valued,” he said.

To understand those needs, he Arc recently surveyed employees about their opinions on the organization’s culture. The survey found that nearly 90% said they feel comfortable being their “whole self” at work and nearly 85% believe the organization is inclusive of people with diverse identities and backgrounds – beyond people with disabilities.

“That’s a huge compliment and achievement,” Rondeau said.

The Arc, he added, has built a work culture “where team members feel a sense of belonging. They are valued, treat each other with respect and are encouraged to reach their full potential.”

Before he took over at the Arc in 2017, Rondeau was president and CEO of the Family League of Baltimore, a social services organization, and, before that, chief program officer at Melwood, a Prince George’s County organization that helps people with disabilities.

He holds a master’s in nonprofit management from Notre Dame of Maryland University and a bachelor’s in rehab counseling and disability studies from Springfield College, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“This recognition shows the impact of the Arc’s entire team in creating transformational change on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” Rondeau said of his award as a top CEO.

“This recognition shows the impact of the Arc’s entire team in creating transformational change . . .”

— Jonathon Rondeau