Deepe named Wildwood CEO, executive
LATHAM N.Y. » Wildwood Programs has appointed Lou Deepe as its next CEO and executive director.
Effective Jan.1, 2021, Lou will succeed Mary Ann Allen, who has held the position since 2001 and who announced earlier this year her intention to retire at the end of this year.
Founded in 1967, Wildwood provides support for more than 3,500 people of all ages and families living with developmental disabilities and autism in the Greater Capital District.
In the CEO position, Deepe will lead the organization in its mission by overseeing programs, finances, fundraising, human resources, providing advocacy for families and consumers and assuring compliance with law, rule and regulation. The appointment was recently announced by Robin Hickey, president of the Wildwood Programs Board of Directors and Lisa Clifford, president of the Wildwood Foundation Board of Directors.
“Having to replace someone with the experience, commitment and devotion of Mary Ann Allen would be an enormous challenge for any organization,” HIckey said in a press release. “We are very fortunate to have Lou Deepe, who brings with him a 26-year history in the field, a comprehensive understanding of providing supports to people with disabilities and an intimate knowledge of the Wildwood culture. He is a natural fit for the CEO position.”
Clifford added, “Lou’s background in direct support, his understanding of nonprofit management and his understanding of the dynamic nature of providing supports in today’s world will serve Wildwood and prepare the organization to meet the challenges of the future.”
Deepe has worked at Wildwood for 12 years. He has been the chief operational officer since 2016, the director of strategic development from 2012 to 2016 and the director of transitional day services from 2008 to 2012. He began his career supporting people with disabilities in 1993 as a direct support professional at the Warren/ Washington County ARC.
From there, in 1996, he continued his career at Community, Work & Independence in Queensbury, in a direct support role within a day hab setting and went on to serve in many roles during his time with the organization, including position within employment, day and school transitional services. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Plattsburgh State University and his master’s degree in nonprofit management from Northeastern University with a concentration in leadership. Deepe lives in Granville with his wife Andrea. The couple has two daughters.
More information about Wildwood Programs is available online at www.wildwood.edu.