As Director of Operations, Claudette Gadsden manages and oversees HR, Finance, IT, as well as Fleet and Facilities. She works to ensure we hire and retain the right people for the right positions. Ensuring everyone, including staff members and vendors are paid on time and accurately and we are paid by our clients on time and accurately is highly important. Her team also ensures all our IT needs are met on time and our buildings and vehicles are running smoothly.

Two things Claudette loves about her job is autonomy and trust of the boss to do what is hers and to do it efficiently and effectively. She has volunteered for non-profits for many years, including sitting on various boards. She was drawn to CA because of the clients we serve. Claudette says, “CA recognizes the awesome in autism!”

Claudette notes that what makes CA special is that we not only advocate for change, but we provide resources to help create change and offer support during the process. Our door is the right door. If we don’t have the answers, we’ll find it. Claudette shared that this “speaks to me because that’s how I choose to live. If I don’t know the answer, I research it and that’s what CA does for those who come for assistance.”

Passionate is the word that Claudette would use to describe herself. “I am passionate about my girls; one daughter and two granddaughters. I am passionate about travelling with and without my girls to explore new places in the world. I am passionate about serving.” This takes many forms from her local, although in Maryland, church community, Centers for Spiritual Living, her local high school’s Girls Rock program, the local women’s shelter and wherever else she may be called.

Claudette says she’s a foodie and would say food is one thing that makes Richmond great. She has tried quite a few restaurants in the area and looks forward to trying more. She would love to hear your recommendations about where to eat!