Our Team

Executive Staff

Barb Clapp, Chief Executive Officer

Barb Clapp joined Dwyer Workforce Development as the CEO in 2021. She was chosen to transition Dwyer Workforce Development as a new venture from concept to a full-scale, national workforce development organization. In her role, she leads nonprofit program development, operations, strategic partnerships, marketing tactics, and board development while leveraging past entrepreneurial and nonprofit success to develop an immediate and sustainable market presence.

A successful entrepreneur and national business leader, Barb was the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an international communications company that she sold in 2019 with the goal of taking her expertise into the nonprofit world. Barb has received numerous awards for her leadership which include, most recently, the Public Relations Society of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award; The Daily Record’s Most Influential Marylander, Most Admired CEO, and Top 100 Women; and an induction into both the Circle of Leadership and Circle of Excellence.

She also serves on the boards of the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, Signal 13 Foundation, and Maryland SPCA. As a committed community advocate, she has previously served on The Humane Society of the United States Humane Policy Leaders, as chair of the Maryland SPCA’s March for the Animals, as a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association CEOs for Stopping Diabetes, on the Leadership Committee for the American Heart Association, and was a 2016 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Ball dancer. With a promise to give a voice to the voiceless, Barb shares the Dwyer family’s passion for building stronger communities through workforce development and improving senior care.

Barb Clapp, Chief Executive Officer

Barb Clapp joined Dwyer Workforce Development as the CEO in 2021. She was chosen to transition Dwyer Workforce Development as a new venture from concept to a full-scale, national workforce development organization. In her role, she leads nonprofit program development, operations, strategic partnerships, marketing tactics, and board development while leveraging past entrepreneurial and nonprofit success to develop an immediate and sustainable market presence.

 

A successful entrepreneur and national business leader, Barb was the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an international communications company that she sold in 2019 with the goal of taking her expertise into the nonprofit world. Barb has received numerous awards for her leadership which include, most recently, the Public Relations Society of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award; The Daily Record’s Most Influential Marylander, Most Admired CEO, and Top 100 Women; and an induction into both the Circle of Leadership and Circle of Excellence.

 

She also serves on the boards of the Baltimore Public Markets Corporation, Signal 13 Foundation, and Maryland SPCA. As a committed community advocate, she has previously served on The Humane Society of the United States Humane Policy Leaders, as chair of the Maryland SPCA’s March for the Animals, as a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association CEOs for Stopping Diabetes, on the Leadership Committee for the American Heart Association, and was a 2016 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Ball dancer. With a promise to give a voice to the voiceless, Barb shares the Dwyer family’s passion for building stronger communities through workforce development and improving senior care.

Maria Darby, Chief Operating Officer

A person-oriented organizational leader and nonprofit board director committed to advancing mission-driven organizations, Maria Darby has more than 25 years of experience driving strategy, transforming businesses, growing organizations, building brand value, and effecting positive change through a career that has spanned nonprofits across the healthcare, education, and enrichment spaces.

As COO at Dwyer Workforce Development, Maria is responsible for operationalizing strategy through oversight and leadership of enterprise-wide functions aligned with short and long-term business goals in Maryland, Florida, and Texas. She oversees all administrative and operational functions; collaborates with the team to lead the strategic planning process; manages direct service lines; drives budgeting and forecasting; and manages all external and internal communications, partnerships, fund development, and donor relations. Maria also ensures the operation of a robust, enterprise-wide compliance function that addresses all relevant federal, state, and local business and nonprofit requirements.

Maria Darby, Chief Operating Officer

A person-oriented organizational leader and nonprofit board director committed to advancing mission-driven organizations, Maria Darby has more than 25 years of experience driving strategy, transforming businesses, growing organizations, building brand value, and effecting positive change through a career that has spanned nonprofits across the healthcare, education, and enrichment spaces.

 

As COO at Dwyer Workforce Development, Maria is responsible for operationalizing strategy through oversight and leadership of enterprise-wide functions aligned with short and long-term business goals in Maryland, Florida, and Texas. She oversees all administrative and operational functions; collaborates with the team to lead the strategic planning process; manages direct service lines; drives budgeting and forecasting; and manages all external and internal communications, partnerships, fund development, and donor relations. Maria also ensures the operation of a robust, enterprise-wide compliance function that addresses all relevant federal, state, and local business and nonprofit requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Michelle Boyle, Director of Development

With a strong background in fundraising, board engagement, and technology integration, Michelle leads our comprehensive fundraising programs, cultivates donor relationships, and guides strategic communication initiatives as the Director of Development.

Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens regional partnerships and enhances Dwyer Workforce Development’s overall impact. With her unwavering dedication and passion for community investment, Michelle is poised to move Dwyer Workforce Development’s mission forward and contribute to its growth and success.

Michelle Boyle, Director of Development

With a strong background in fundraising, board engagement, and technology integration, Michelle leads our comprehensive fundraising programs, cultivates donor relationships, and guides strategic communication initiatives as the Director of Development.

Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens regional partnerships and enhances Dwyer Workforce Development’s overall impact. With her unwavering dedication and passion for community investment, Michelle is poised to move Dwyer Workforce Development’s mission forward and contribute to its growth and success.

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 to connect more people to the nonprofit’s life-changing programs, create more opportunities to uplift those facing barriers to employment, and improve senior healthcare. 

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 to connect more people to the nonprofit’s life-changing programs, create more opportunities to uplift those facing barriers to employment, and improve senior healthcare. 

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.

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.

Maryland Team

Megan Heidle
Program Services Supervisor

McKenna Logie
Executive Administrative Assistant

Sasha Longmore
Case Manager

Nefertiti Lyles-Myers
Service Navigator

Zsa-shanè Smith
Maryland Community Engagement Coordinator

Teressa Turner
Operations Coordinator

Texas Team

Shelly Gaskin
Service Navigator

Florida Team

Jodi Jackson
Community Engagement Coordinator

Geri Smith
Service Navigator