In the News

ACES Governing Board Appoints Dr. Thomas Danehy as Executive Director

May 6th, 2014

The selection of the Executive Director for ACES is one of the single most important decisions that the Governing Board makes on behalf of the staff, students, and families who are an integral part of ACES. Over 275 individuals participated in this search through focus groups and surveys and provided their perspectives in helping define the qualities of an ideal Executive Director. Focus groups were held in December 2013 and January 2014 with faculty, support staff, administrators, and the Governing Board members, Janet Finneran and Norm Hicks. Surveys were also available during the same time period.

The search process was an extensive one. There were over 20 inquiries for the position and 14 candidates submitted complete applications. These were carefully reviewed for fit with the profile of qualities desired by the many constituents who provided their input to the ACES Executive Director Profile. The Interview Committee met with eight candidates and conducted several rounds of interviews and reference checks. The ACES Interview Committee included the Chairperson of the ACES Governing Board and Governing Board members. This group gave their commitment of time and talent throughout this comprehensive process.

Through the interviewing process, Tom Danehy rose to the top of a very competitive group. Several of the candidates interviewed were well qualified and would have provided strong leadership for ACES, but Tom was highly regarded for the breadth of his experience and understanding of the human, educational, fiscal, and legal elements of the ACES leadership.

References universally acknowledged Dr. Danehy’s professionalism, strategic thinking, great relationships with people, and strong work ethic. They described him as collaborative, intelligent, committed, a good listener, and a problem solver whose actions match his words.

The interviewing Committee unanimously recommended Dr. Danehy to the Governing Board as their finalist. Governing Board members interviewed Dr. Danehy Wednesday, March 26, and April 10, 2014, he was appointed by the Governing Board as the new Executive Director of ACES. The unity of thinking represented in this decision speaks well for the future of the ACES agency.

Dr. Danehy succeeds Dr. Craig W. Edmondson who led the organization for the past eight years and who will be retiring in June 2014.

The Hamden Journal