John Dickerson

John Dickerson began his career with The Arc in 1973 after graduating from Huron College, Huron, SD. His first task working for The Arc was being part of a statewide effort developing the plan for a free public education for all children with disabilities, something unavailable at that time. His career started with The Arc of South Dakota, moved to the assistant director of The Arc of Indiana, then to The Arc of the US and he returned to The Arc of Indiana as executive director from 1983-2015.

Key milestones in his career were the transformation of services in Indiana – the closure of all state hospitals by creating community supports for the people who lived in five state institutions; lowering the waiting list from 12 years to less than 1 year. As a lobbyist, community organizer, and leader in the field, he has seen the power of both the individual and those who come together to create change – make incredible progress.

John led the development of The Arc Trust, one of the oldest and largest pooled trust for people with disabilities in the country. Over 4,000 families and individuals have enrolled, assets managed exceed $65 million and distributions this year will be between $5 – $6 million dollars for beneficiaries. All done with a staff of 9 people – and The Arc Trust is completely self-sustaining in its 28th year.

John also led the development with his team at The Arc of Indiana owning and operating a 150 room Courtyard by Marriott which has the country’s first training institute embedded in the hotel – training people with I/DD the hospitality industry while they live, work and learn in the hotel for 9 weeks.

John retired from The Arc is now the founder and CEO of Quillo, a unique new approach to the workforce crisis facing organizations serving people with disabilities. The new app launched in 2018 and they are now in 11 states building better relationships and better lives.