This week, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board welcomed our new Executive Director, Jordan A. Scheff. Mr. Scheff brings more than three decades of experience in intellectual and developmental disabilities services, nonprofit leadership and public administration. He most recently served as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. 

We sat down with Mr. Scheff to learn more about him and his vision for the CSB. 

What drew you to the Fairfax-Falls Church CSB, and what excites you most about joining this organization now? 

My children had already relocated from Connecticut to the DMV. We have a very close-knit family, and with the birth of my grandson, my wife and I decided it was time for a new chapter. 

This organization was particularly attractive to me because it was already running well. The CSB’s mission is aligned with my values and practice but still presents opportunities for me to learn new things at this stage in my career. 

With your extensive background, what perspectives or priorities are you most looking forward to bringing to the CSB? 

One of the great parts of my years of service to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities is that, in supporting them, I have been exposed to all aspects of human services, but often through the unique lens of those I support. What that has taught me is to strive for person-centered care in a world that wants systems for everything. System-centeredness and person-centeredness are at opposite ends of a continuum, with many forces wanting to prioritize the system side, but meaningful outcomes for those we support demand person-centered approaches. My experience walking that fine line is one of the perspectives I hope to engage staff in while here at the CSB. 

What values or leadership principles guide you, and how do you hope employees will experience your leadership? 

This may seem like a small thing, but a major part of success in leadership is simply showing up. Being present and available to staff and those we support is really important to me and my hopes for success. I firmly believe that all voices matter and that employees and those we support need to feel that their voice is represented at every meeting and in every decision. It is a high bar to be that inclusive, but I am sure we can achieve just that.

Are there particular areas of CSB’s work or mission that resonate most strongly with you personally?

At a personal level, having raised three daughters (now young women), teen mental health and the impact of the COVID-19 experience on mental health is something I am keenly interested in. I think we are far from understanding how significantly COVID-19 played a role in the current mental health continuum, but we have seen first-hand the impacts of an increase in diagnoses of a variety of somatic disorders since the pandemic.

When you aren't working, how do you like spending your time? 

I like to spend my time with my wife and daughters. My first grandchild was born in March, so I hope to spend an increasing amount of time with him. Beyond family, I love all sorts of live music. From local talent at the neighborhood tavern, to small venue shows, to all sorts of jam bands, blues, rock and jazz at big stages and festivals — music is my medicine.