Our Team

Executive Staff

Barb Clapp, Chief Executive Officer

Barb Clapp is the CEO of Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD), a mission-driven nonprofit reshaping the healthcare workforce through a holistic, human-centered approach. Under her leadership, DWD delivers CNA/GNA training, wraparound services, personalized case management, and long-term career support—empowering individuals facing systemic barriers while addressing the national healthcare staffing shortage.

Personally selected by co-founder Jack Dwyer to bring DWD from concept to reality, Barb has built the organization into a rapidly expanding, nationwide force for equity and opportunity. She oversees strategy, operations, program development, fundraising and key partnerships, drawing on decades of experience as both a nonprofit leader and successful entrepreneur.

Before joining DWD in 2021, Barb founded and led Clapp Communications, an award-winning global communications firm. Following the successful sale of the company in 2019, she turned her focus to full-time mission-driven work. A graduate of Loyola University, she has served on more than 20 nonprofit boards, including a Governor-appointed position on the University of Maryland Medical System Board.

A sought-after speaker on leadership, resilience, and business strategy, Barb has been widely recognized for her impact. Her honors include Baltimore Business Journal’s Power 10, The Daily Record’s Most Influential Marylander, Most Admired CEO, and three-time Top 100 Women honoree (Circle of Excellence inductee), the PRSA Lifetime Achievement Award, and BBJ’s Enterprising Women of Excellence.

Barb’s passion for service extends beyond her role—she actively supports causes in healthcare, education, and animal welfare. Her leadership is the driving force behind DWD’s mission: transforming lives, strengthening communities, and building a more equitable future for the healthcare workforce.

A native of Baltimore, Barb still calls the city home with her husband. When she’s not at DWD, she’s all about family and friends, travel adventures, killer workouts, gardening, whipping up the latest New York Times recipes, or enjoying a great book.

James R. Seba, Chief Financial Officer

A seasoned accounting and finance professional with a breadth of experience that makes him uniquely qualified to lead the financial team of Dwyer Workforce Development, James R. Seba brings decades of experience in the financial leadership of mid-sized companies, nonprofit organizations, and healthcare foundations and boards.

James is responsible for financial planning and analysis, the integrity of financial information, managing capital and banking partners, and developing strategic relationships. He has a strong track record of building high-performing teams and solving complex business challenges.

Maria Darby, Chief Engagement Officer

A mission-driven organizational leader and nonprofit board director with more than 25 years of experience, Maria Darby specializes in building strategic partnerships, advancing philanthropy, and driving organizational growth and community impact.

As Chief Engagement Officer of Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD), Maria leads the organization’s partnership and development efforts, cultivating relationships with employer partners, workforce organizations, community stakeholders, funders, and donors nationwide. She works to expand DWD’s network of supporters, secure resources that advance the organization’s mission, and create opportunities that help individuals launch and grow careers in healthcare.

As a member of DWD’s executive leadership team, Maria helps shape organizational strategy, foster collaboration, and drive initiatives that address healthcare workforce shortages while creating pathways to economic mobility.

Maria is a graduate of Dickinson College and serves on the boards of Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and Service Coordination, Inc. She has been recognized for her leadership and community impact as a Health Care Hero, a member of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence, and a Girl Scout Distinguished Woman.

Outside of work, Maria enjoys reading, antiquing, dining out, and spending time with her family and her dog, Rooney.

Rachel Foster, Chief Growth Officer

As Chief Growth Officer, Rachel focuses on building operational processes and systems that allow programs, teams, and impact to scale sustainably.

With more than 20 years of experience across workforce development, education, technology, and operations, Rachel has spent her career designing infrastructure that helps organizations grow without losing clarity, quality, or trust. She specializes in translating vision into repeatable processes and creating operational models that support job readiness, employment pathways, and long-term success for both participants and partners. At DWD, Rachel works across teams to strengthen internal operations, improve cross-functional coordination, and design scalable frameworks that grow with the organization.

Outside of her professional work, Rachel is a lifelong creative. She loves art, cooking, and music and was once the lead singer of a rock cover band. That creative background continues to shape how she thinks about collaboration, rhythm, and balancing structure with improvisation.

Brianna Linker, Director of Operations

In her position as Director of Operations, Brianna Linker manages the day-to-day processes and procedures at Dwyer Workforce Development to guarantee the nonprofit is running at the highest level of efficiency. In this role, Brianna excels at leading successful initiatives to streamline the organization’s functions and drive growth within the communities Dwyer Workforce Development currently serves, as well as seeking new opportunities to expand beyond those areas.

Brianna leads with a collaborative approach, making her a team player that other Dwyer Workforce Development employees can depend on to create positive change within the organization so everyone can find success within their roles. With a thriving work culture and a united team, Dwyer Workforce Development can always put its best foot forward in the communities it serves—and Brianna helps make that possible.

A Baltimore native and proud Towson University graduate, Brianna is passionate about giving back through community and volunteer work. Outside of that, you’ll find her swimming laps, lost in a good book, or planning her next travel adventure.

Karen Evander, Director of Communications

With over 20 years of experience in the communications industry, Karen Evander excels in cultivating strong connections, driving successful campaigns, and leading cross-functional teams to surpass set expectations and deliver exceptional advertising, marketing, and PR results.

As Director of Communications, Karen oversees and manages Dwyer Workforce Development’s messaging and public relationships to ensure they always align with the organization’s values. She also is responsible for developing and executing all strategic campaigns to promote the mission and accomplishments of the nonprofit workforce development program. From social media and public relations to media opportunities, such as press conferences and ribbon cuttings, Karen handles all of Dwyer Workforce Development’s internal and external communication efforts. In her role, she helps connect more people to DWD’s life-changing programs, create more opportunities to uplift those facing barriers to employment, and improve healthcare.

Karen is a proud Terp and University of Maryland Journalism graduate who loves making memories with family and friends. A Baltimore County local, she’s often on the tennis, paddle, or pickleball court—or better yet, out on a boat or relaxing at the beach. A foodie, reader, and avid traveler, Karen is always up for a new adventure (especially if it comes with a great meal along the way).

Lakita Green, Director of Career Services

Lakita Green is a passionate and experienced workforce development leader with over 22 years of success guiding young professionals toward meaningful, long-term careers. She has worked in communities across the country—including the DMV, New York City, Philadelphia, Miami, and California—mentoring youth ages 16–24 and building pathways to opportunity.

Throughout her career, Lakita has turned vision into action—whether developing a transitional housing program in Inglewood, CA, or leading apprenticeship and career training initiatives that uplift underrepresented communities. Her work is rooted in a belief that everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

As Director of Career Services at Dwyer Workforce Development, Lakita brings her commitment and expertise to support Dwyer Scholars on their journey in healthcare. She provides hands-on guidance, personalized support, and access to real opportunities—helping every scholar “level up” and build a better future.

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Lakita graduated from Carolina College of Biblical Studies with a BA in biblical studies and leadership. In her spare time, she loves to travel, shop, and hang out with friends and family.

Lisa Chamness, Director of Partnerships and Programs

As a seasoned professional in the nonprofit field, Lisa Chamness serves as Director of Partnerships and Programs at Dwyer Workforce Development. She is responsible for partner management and advancing programs to support Dwyer Workforce Development’s strategic direction as well as expand and advance its mission.

Lisa’s past industry experience—which includes working at another nonprofit workforce development program and serving as development manager and director of donations—makes her an excellent choice for overseeing and nurturing the valuable relationships created between Dwyer Workforce Development and its partners.

Sherna' Barksdale, MSW, LCSW-C, Director of Case Management

Sherna’ Barksdale, MSW, LCSW-C, oversees and manages all case managers and service navigators at Dwyer Workforce Development. She is also responsible for developing and implementing case management programs and policies, advocating and facilitating assistance for Dwyer Scholars, and providing any additional support that further enhances Dwyer Workforce Development’s mission.

Sherna’ holds a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in gerontology from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She also has years of experience working in the social services industry and she is a board-approved supervisor. These incredible attributes have helped her guide Dwyer Workforce Development’s service navigators and case managers, as well as build and shape its case management program.