UMAR is thrilled to announce that Jessica Moore, B.A., Q.P., will assume the role of President and CEO effective January 2, 2023.

Ms. Moore emerged as the board’s choice to lead UMAR after an extensive search which yielded approximately 200 candidates recruited by the executive search firm Coleman Lew Canny Bowen.

With two decades in the I/DD field, Ms. Moore’s professional experience has proven herself an adept leader and passionate advocate for individuals living with disabilities.

Inspired by her mother’s work in a UMAR home and volunteer service with Special Olympics, Ms. Moore earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before embarking on a career serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After earning her Qualified Professional certification, Ms. Moore was hired as a direct service professional at Turning Point Services, Inc. and worked with children with I/DD. As she developed and expanded her skillset and earned additional certifications, Ms. Moore progressed to a Case Manager role at Footprints Carolina.

In 2007 she was hired by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare as a Utilization Management Care Manager. She quickly ascended the ranks to become the Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Care Coordination unit where she supervised 220 staff members across 20 counties.  After 14 years with Cardinal Innovations, Ms. Moore transitioned to her most recent role as IDD Network Development Director at Vaya Health where she has been responsible for oversight of its network of providers of I/DD services.

Ms. Moore is married to Marvin Moore, Principal of Salisbury High School in Rowan County. They are parents to four children – three daughters and a son.

Please join us in welcoming Jessica Moore to the UMAR family!