Leadership Overview
Charles Lea Center has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and governance.
Driven by a commitment to service, Charles Lea Center enhances the quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions, enabling them to work, live, and play.
Driven by a commitment to service, Charles Lea Center enhances the quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions, enabling them to work, live, and play.
Leadership Roles at Charles Lea Center
Gerald Bernard - Chief Executive Officer
Gerald Bernard, the Chief Executive Officer at Charles Lea Center, directs the organization's overarching strategy and vision. Bernard guides the executive team in fulfilling the mission of enhancing the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions. This leadership role involves setting strategic priorities, fostering key partnerships, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of services. Bernard's oversight extends to all operational facets, aligning them with the core values of enabling clients to work, live, and play. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of service provision within the Spartanburg, South Carolina community and beyond. Gerald Bernard drives the strategic direction, focusing on growth and impact.
Robert Decker - Chief Financial Officer
Robert Decker, the Chief Financial Officer at Charles Lea Center, manages the organization's financial health and fiscal strategy. Decker oversees all financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and reporting functions, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory requirements. This critical role supports the mission by securing and managing the financial resources necessary to provide comprehensive services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions. The Chief Financial Officer works to optimize financial performance, enabling the organization to expand its reach and impact in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Robert Decker's financial acumen is essential for sustaining and growing the programs that help clients work, live, and play. Decker safeguards the organization's financial stability.
Lois Durrah - Chief Operating Officer
Lois Durrah, the Chief Operating Officer at Charles Lea Center, executes the daily operational strategies that support the organization's mission. Durrah manages the delivery of services, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in programs designed for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions. This role involves optimizing resource allocation, overseeing program development, and maintaining high standards of care across all service areas. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with other department heads to ensure seamless integration of services, enabling clients to achieve greater independence in their work, living, and recreational activities. Lois Durrah's operational leadership is critical to the organization's ability to serve the Spartanburg community. Durrah ensures operational excellence in all client-facing initiatives.
Marisa Cecil - President
Marisa Cecil, the President at Charles Lea Center, provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the organization. Cecil champions the mission of enhancing the quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions, ensuring services empower individuals to work, live, and play. This leadership position involves guiding the board of directors, fostering community relationships, and advocating for the needs of the clients served. Marisa Cecil's influence extends to shaping the organization's strategic direction and ensuring its continued positive impact within the Spartanburg region. Cecil drives organizational strategy and community engagement.

Cynthia Beacham - President
Cynthia Beacham, the President at Charles Lea Center, contributes to the strategic direction and governance of the organization. Beacham focuses on advancing the mission to improve the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities and chronic medical conditions, supporting their ability to work, live, and play. This presidential role involves collaborating with the executive team and board to ensure the effective delivery of services and the organization's long-term viability. Cynthia Beacham's leadership supports initiatives aimed at expanding the reach and impact of Charles Lea Center's programs in South Carolina. Beacham ensures strategic alignment with client needs and organizational goals.
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