President and Chief Executive Officer
Larry has served as president and CEO of Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) since 2016. During his tenure at BDI, Larry has guided the organization through a period of significant growth and impact including a merger with All About Developmental Disabilities, the opening of a new 180 seat contact center, and most importantly doubling the number of participants served. Larry brings nearly four decades of leadership experience, having held the role of Senior Vice President, U.S. and Canada, for Habitat for Humanity International over a ten-year period before joining BDI. During his time at Habitat, Larry launched the organization’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative and invested in a long-term strategy for Habitat ReStores. These actions helped Habitat double the number of families served in the United States. Prior to his tenure at HFHI, Larry spent more than 20 years in the food and beverage industry including fifteen years in various leadership roles with Starbucks. Larry’s volunteer activities include serving numerous organizations in board and trustee roles including the University of Utah, Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership, The Watering Seeds Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity. Larry holds a B.S. from the University of Utah and was awarded the University’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010.
What does BDI mean to me?
As parents to a son with special needs, my wife and I have experienced the frustration of finding programs and services to enhance his quality of life. Our Team at BDI strives each day to be trusted navigators to families and individuals who are on a similar journey. It is an honor to serve an organization helping individuals with differing abilities the opportunity to gain greater independence, work for inclusive-minded companies, and live with dignity within their communities.
Chief Operations Officer
Debbyn stepped into the role of COO at Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) in January 2024, where she spearheads multi-year strategic growth initiatives and operational excellence, ensuring consistency and efficiency in BDI’s day-to-day operations. She champions a culture of innovation by introducing new initiatives, technologies, and best practices to enhance our ability to serve effectively. With a diverse background spanning multiple leadership positions throughout retail at The Home Depot, simplification software solutions at Reflexis, pharmacy and convenience at Walgreens, and real estate at Keller Williams, Debbyn brings invaluable expertise to her role. Her extensive volunteer work with nonprofit organizations further enriches her ability to serve BDI’s participants. Debbyn holds a B.S. from Regis University in Colorado.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI holds profound significance for me as a beacon of hope that translates into tangible support and empowerment for individuals with differing abilities. As a parent of a child with special needs, there’s nothing more vital than facilitating their positive contributions to society and enabling them to live their best lives. BDI allows us to fulfill this mission for many individuals, making a meaningful difference in their lives and throughout the community.
Chief Financial
Officer
David Turner, Chief Operating Officer has been in the Not-For-Profit sector for the past 27 years. 22 of these years is with BDI. Graduating from Ferris State College with a major in Computer Information Systems (CIS) with emphasis in accounting. Master of Business Administration degree from University of West Georgia. Over the years, I’ve seen the growth and continuous improvement on all sides of the business. This keeps me getting up with energy for the BDI.
What does BDI mean to me?
What makes BDI standout for me? The continued efforts that BDI does to make this world a better place, through our services and investment in our staff.
VP, People
and Culture
Stephanie Bolton is the VP, of People & Culture for BDI. She has over 28 years of human resources experience, with 20 of those working at BDI. She holds a Professional of Human Resources Certification, awarded from the Human Resource Certification Institute. Prior to working at BDI she was employed by Turner Broadcasting System and Clayton State University.
Stephanie resides in Sharpsburg, GA with her husband Andrew and family dog, Maverick. They have a daughter, Grace, who is a senior in college.
What does BDI mean to me?
Family is the first thing that comes to mind for Stephanie when thinking about what BDI means to her. BDI prides itself on taking care of our employees and making the work experience meaningful. I enjoy going to work because the environment is caring and I have an opportunity to make a difference.
VP, Operational and
Program Services
Ilond is a seasoned professional with 15+ years of experience in the non-profit sector, with over a decade in leadership roles at BDI. Her previous positions include organizations like IANPHI, CARE USA, and IRC. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public and Behavioral Health from Emory Rollins School of Public Health. As the leader of BDI’s Operational and Program Services team, Ilond leverages her expertise in community-based approaches to meet evolving community needs. She excels in designing and implementing programs for improved outcomes, evaluating program effectiveness, and driving continuous improvement and outcomes management. Ilond plays a key role in policy and procedure development, program planning, and implementing innovative approaches, all while efficiently managing resources to achieve organizational goals. In 2015, Ilond played a vital role in partnership with DBHDD to develop the Intensive Family Support Program, designed to provide crisis intervention and stabilization services to individuals living with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.
What does BDI mean to me?
A beacon of empowerment, epitomizing a culture of innovation and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of our community. Our steadfast commitment ensures a promising and inspiring future, fostering independence, well-being, and ample opportunities for individuals living with differing abilities.
VP, Business
Services
Joe Paolini is the Vice President of Business Services at BDI. In this role, he is responsible for fulfilling BDI’s mission by leading day-to-day operational activities of the Business Services unit, including revenue and sales growth; expense, cost, and margin control; and monthly, quarterly, and annual financial growth management. Joe joined BDI in 2014 after 20+ years in the hospitality industry where he held various positions related to multi-unit leadership, strategic training, and operations delivery, and phased new unit openings. Since joining the BDI team, Joe has led our food service program, as well as our warehousing and workforce resource teams. Joe’s proven record of driving operational excellence and high-quality delivery of business services, along with his passion for serving our people with disabilities community, help strengthen the mission focus of BDI.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI embraces people of all abilities. We create an inclusive community where each person’s strengths are matched to employment and empowerment opportunities both internally and externally with our community partners. For me, the most important thing that BDI does is open doors for the people with disabilities to live their best, and most fulfilling lives.
VP, Development and
Community Relations
Todd has worked in the development field for more than two decades and joined BDI in the fall of 2018. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive and graduated from the State University of New York at Oswego. Prior to his tenure at BDI, he was the VP of Development at TechBridge. Todd has also served in national capacities at both the March of Dimes and Muscular Dystrophy Association, overseeing organizational footprints and driving programs responsible for over $30M in net revenue. Among the volunteer leadership roles, Todd held the role of Board Treasurer for Habitat for Humanity-Dekalb County and currently serves as Board Treasurer/Secretary for Disability:IN of Greater Atlanta.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI fosters a culture of acceptance, opportunity, barrier removal and inclusion to help people control their own life journey.
VP, Administrative
Services
Veronica Rohrlack serves as the Vice President of Administrative Services. She has over 25 years of experience working with the disability community as a Master of Social Work and executive management and leadership in the non-profit sector. Veronica has expertise in working on budgeting, contract management and compliance at the non-profit, state, and federal level. Her contract management experience includes working as a Contract Administrator for the State of Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), overseeing 48 contract locations, where she managed the Family Support Program and developed the Intensive Family Support Program. Veronica has been recognized by the Oklahoma Non-Profit Association and Easter Seals of Southern Georgia for her work and dedication to the disability community.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI is a beacon of hope, empowerment, and support for individuals living with differing abilities and their families, offering opportunities for growth, independence, and inclusion.
Director, Learning and
Organizational Development
Jerry Sutton is the Director of Learning and Organizational Development for the Bobby Dodd Institute. Jerry is a retired Command Chief Master Sergeant and combat aviator who served with distinction for 23 years in the United States Air Force. He is a Summa Cum Laude Honor Graduate with four degrees in Education, Business, Aerospace Operations, and Educational/Instructional Technology.
What does BDI mean to me?
Jerry believes BDI allows him to give a voice to people who are often not heard.
Director, Organizational
Support
Tracey Crawford has served at BDI since 1998. Tracey’s current role is Organizational Support Director. This role focuses on the active delivery of support services for the organizations infrastructure which focuses on technology, progression, safety, and industrial security. Tracey has a B.S. in Psychology and Human Services and is a Certified Logistics & AHE Chest Instructor.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI for me is a fast forward progressive organization dedicated to serving the community with a high focus on people with disabilities.
Senior Director,
Contact Center Operations
Troy is a seasoned professional with over two decades of invaluable experience in the realms of banking, software, and insurance contact centers. His journey has been defined by leadership, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. Having served in the Navy, Troy’s foundation is built upon discipline, strategic thinking, and a profound sense of duty. These qualities seamlessly transitioned into his civilian career, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional skills in managing complex operations and fostering dynamic teams. Beyond the boardroom, Troy’s diverse interests are a testament to his multifaceted nature. An accomplished fine art photographer, his lens captures the world in unique and captivating ways, reflecting his ability to perceive beauty in the intricate details of life. This artistic pursuit stands as a harmonious counterpoint to his strategic corporate responsibilities.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI means an opportunity to support others on their journey, while being accepted as your authentic self.
Manager, Marketing
and Communications
Bozhana (Bobbie) Dimitrova serves as the Manager of Marketing and Communications at Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI). Bobbie joined the BDI team in 2023, bringing over 5 years of experience in B2B and B2C marketing, and more than 10 years of expertise in journalism, storytelling, and content creation. Throughout her career, Bobbie has successfully managed regional news stations and websites, utilizing various tactics and experimentation to enhance credibility and engagement. Bobbie holds a Content Marketing certification from the American Marketing Association and earned her bachelor’s degree in Bulgarian Philology and Journalism. In her spare time, she shares her knowledge and passion for video production by teaching classes at Chattahoochee Technical College. Apart from her professional pursuits, Bobbie is a strong believer in the power of sports and movement. As a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, she actively promotes physical activity and its positive impact on people’s lives.
What does BDI mean to me?
BDI means opening doors to new possibilities by embracing differences and fostering a more inclusive society.
