#USA #Vienna #SourceAmerica #Disability Employment #Richard Belden

Richard Belden's Leadership Journey and Retirement

After dedicating over seven years to SourceAmerica, Richard Belden, the organization's president and chief executive officer, has announced his retirement plans effective June 2027. Under his stewardship, SourceAmerica has made significant strides in advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The non-profit organization plays a vital role in administering the AbilityOne Program, which provides federal contracts aimed at creating job opportunities for individuals with disabilities, including veterans.

Belden's tenure at SourceAmerica began in 2019, culminating in his appointment as CEO in 2020. His leadership has been marked by a strong commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through employment. Throughout his time at SourceAmerica, Belden forged important relationships with federal partners, nonprofit agencies, and stakeholders, working tirelessly to drive change and expand job creation efforts.

As Mark Lezotte, chair of SourceAmerica's board, noted, Belden's contributions have established a solid foundation for the organization, emphasizing the necessity of building robust relationships and achieving key performance indicators that advance disability employment. His advocacy has left a lasting impact, fostering trust among stakeholders and pushing for progressive disability employment policies.

Reflecting on his journey, Belden shared, "I came into this organization with a strong belief in its mission to increase the employment of people with disabilities. Over the last seven years, that belief has grown even stronger as I gained a deeper understanding of what it takes and why it matters. People with disabilities bring valuable skills, hard work, and commitment to the workforce. I am proud of the accomplishments SourceAmerica has achieved in recent years and look forward to the future of disability employment."

Belden's decision to retire was made with a focus on ensuring a smooth transition for the organization. The planning around his departure will allow SourceAmerica to conduct a comprehensive executive search for his successor, ensuring the continuation of its mission and objectives. Belden has pledged to remain focused on leading the organization until his retirement, supporting a seamless transition to new leadership.

As SourceAmerica prepares to announce the job opening for the next CEO, candidates will be encouraged to apply as of March 16, with the organization expecting to make an announcement regarding Belden's successor once selected.

SourceAmerica's commitment to advocating for individuals with disabilities continues to remain strong despite this change in leadership. The organization bridges the gap between contractors and federal customers, offering the necessary resources and support to navigate the AbilityOne Program efficiently.

For more information about SourceAmerica and its initiatives, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow the organization on social media platforms like Facebook, X.com, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This transition marks a pivotal moment in SourceAmerica’s journey, setting the stage for continued advocacy and support for disability employment in the years to come.