InReach Executive and Leadership Team

Deanna Dycus, the Chief Financial Officer at InReach, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the organization. Dycus directs all budgetary planning, financial reporting, and resource allocation processes to ensure the continued delivery of housing and community support services. By overseeing complex funding streams and grant management, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial integrity required to support over 1,200 individuals. Deanna Dycus collaborates with the board to align fiscal strategies with the mission of empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of operational expenditures and the optimization of financial systems to maximize impact within the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area. Through precise financial forecasting and risk mitigation, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital to expand residential services and employment programs, ultimately driving the growth and stability of the entire organization.

Lori Gougeon, the President at InReach, drives the overarching strategic vision and mission-driven initiatives of the organization. Gougeon leads the executive team in expanding housing, employment, and community support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By cultivating partnerships with community stakeholders and regional leaders, the President secures the support necessary to advance the organization's impact. Lori Gougeon oversees the long-term planning and governance processes that ensure the sustainability of programs like the First In Families project. This leadership role involves representing the organization in public forums and advocating for policies that foster inclusion and empowerment. Through decisive leadership and a focus on organizational growth, the President aligns all departments with the goal of providing personalized assistance to over 1,200 children and adults. Ultimately, Gougeon ensures that the organization remains a cornerstone of support within the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area and surrounding counties.

Franchesca Smith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at InReach, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies essential for delivering high-quality care. Smith oversees recruitment, employee retention, and professional training programs designed to equip staff with the skills needed for supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. By fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the core mission of the organization. Franchesca Smith manages complex labor relations and performance management systems to maintain operational efficiency across all community support departments. This leadership role involves implementing robust internal policies that promote staff well-being and professional growth. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer directly impacts the quality of care provided to families and individuals, ensuring that the organization attracts and retains dedicated professionals capable of meeting diverse community needs.

Debbie Shiflett, the Chief Operations Officer at InReach, executes the daily operational strategies required to deliver housing, employment, and community support services. Shiflett directs the implementation of residential programs and community activities, ensuring that all service delivery models meet the specific needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By overseeing the logistics of care management and the First In Families project, the Chief Operations Officer maintains high standards of service quality across the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area. Debbie Shiflett coordinates with department heads to streamline workflows and enhance the effectiveness of community-based support systems. This leadership role involves managing the infrastructure necessary to scale operations while maintaining personalized assistance for every participant. Through rigorous operational oversight and process improvement, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that the organization remains responsive to the evolving challenges faced by the families and individuals served.