Dorothy L. Young
Madison,MS
Summary
Life’s goal: “Make a difference.”
Program management professional with strong track record of driving successful projects and initiatives. Skilled in strategic planning, budget management, and stakeholder engagement. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to evolving project requirements, ensuring consistent achievement of objectives. Proven ability in leadership, problem-solving, and delivering impactful results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
MDRS
Jackson, MS
01.2013 - Current
- Maintain oversight for the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind, the Business Enterprise Program, the MS EMERGE Center, and the Mississippi Partners for Informed Choice. Direct and supervise 102 employees. Oversee a $60 million annual budget; facilitate assistive technology training to over 3K instructors annually; saved taxpayers $500K from 2006-2020. Developed office operational protocols for staff, increasing efficiency by 22%.
- Launched the first Reutilization Initiative Program.
- Providing technology training sessions for USM staff.
- Created a cutting-edge technology library.
- Spearheaded the 1st Employability Job Fair during Governor Phil Bryant’s administration.
- Maintain an active partnership with the state’s executive and legislative branches.
- Launched 1st National Peer Mentoring Partnership
- Organize a multi-million-dollar annual National Conference and develop a strategic plan for it.
- Launched the 1st State Internship for the Blind
- 2024 ESTABLISHED THE STATE 2ND TRAINING CENTER FOR THE BLIND - MS EMERGE CENTER
- Procured over $500K in federal funds
- Oversee facilities and accelerate expansion priorities
DIRECTOR, PROJECT START
MDRS
Jackson, MS
08.2006 - 10.2013
- Achieved promotion to program director through delivery of high-quality counseling services. Expanded workforce opportunities, enabling individuals to attain independent living. Increased client support by enhancing resource access and implementing visual aids and training for consumers managing diabetes-related vision loss.
- COUNSELOR FOR THE BLIND, 2000-2006
- Fostered stakeholder relationships to align departmental goals with overall organizational strategy.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives to ensure smooth transitions during organizational transformations.
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
PRN – INTAKE COUNSELOR
MDRS
Jackson, MS
01.2001 - 01.2013
- Conducted extensive counseling sessions with an average of 15 families or individuals monthly. Supported clients in addressing self-esteem and behavioral challenges, resulting in improved quality of life for hundreds of clients.
Education
M.S. - Management
Belhaven College
Jackson, MSM.S. - Rehabilitation Counseling
University of S. Alabama
Mobile, ALB.S. - Health Science
Alcorn State University
Lorman, MSPhD - Business Administration
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS01.2026
Skills
- Supervise over 100 staff members and manage five key state and federal programs
- Relationship building
- Effective leader
- Program leadership
- Staff development
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy implementation
- Budgeting and financial management
- Innovation and creativity
- Community engagement
- Professionalism
- Multitasking Abilities
Affiliations
- 2015-2026
- Frances Thames Award, 2022
- Past President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind, (NCSAB)
- Past Chair, Technology for NCSAB
Certification
- Vision Specialist 2022 - Aspen Institute
- Jackson Workforce Leadership Class
Timeline
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
MDRS
01.2013 - Current
DIRECTOR, PROJECT START
MDRS
08.2006 - 10.2013
PRN – INTAKE COUNSELOR
MDRS
01.2001 - 01.2013
M.S. - Rehabilitation Counseling
University of S. Alabama
B.S. - Health Science
Alcorn State University
PhD - Business Administration
Belhaven University
M.S. - Management
Belhaven College
PROFILE
- Competent – Resourceful – Proficient
- Versatile – Expedient Accomplished – Dependable – Directing – Intuitive.