IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, 28 August 2025
Three new board members joined Bobby Dodd Institute’s (BDI) Board of Directors with the start of the new fiscal year, which began in July. Erik Becker, Polly Nicholas, and Van Lear join forces with a group of established board members to help drive BDI’s mission forward.
Erik Becker has been involved in technology startup companies throughout his career and is currently working on a new project. He will be using his expertise in strategic planning, communications, technology, and partnerships to help advance BDI’s mission. Erik was inspired to join the BDI Board after attending the organization’s flagship event, Breakfast with Champions, which reinforced his commitment. “The more I learned about the organization, the more I appreciated the impact that BDI is driving in our community. I joined the board because I believe in the mission and believe that I can help,” said Erik.
Breakfast with Champions was an inspiration for Van Lear as well. “I toured the BDI facilities in February. I was sold on BDI at that point, and that was even before Breakfast with Champions in March of 2025. After the breakfast, my passion was cemented, and I knew I wanted to find ways to contribute,” Van shared. He has spent more than 40 years in the electric utility industry in various engineering, sales, marketing, business development, executive management, and ownership roles with publicly traded companies, start-ups, and privately held companies. “I believe my business development experience and my network of industry colleagues could lead to new opportunities for BDI. My sales and marketing roles could also be beneficial to promote the BDI brand and the wonderful work that the organization does,” he added.
Polly Nicholas has more than 20 years of experience in the employee benefits industry. As a board member, she will help BDI empower and employ people with disabilities forward. She is the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at Unum. In her role, she is responsible for elevating the experience and amplifying Unum’s purpose throughout the customer journey. She oversees Marketing, Customer Enablement, and Field Effectiveness and was most recently the SVP of Unum Solutions. Polly says, “Bobby Dodd Institute is driving meaningful change by creating pathways to employment, independence, and dignity for people with disabilities. As a parent and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how their work strengthens communities and opens doors that were once closed. BDI’s impact is measurable, lasting, and essential. I am excited to support this great organization.”
This is a bittersweet moment for the organization, as three members of the board completed their terms: Judith Moen Stanley, John McKenney, and Jim Terry, who have been long-time supporters of the BDI mission.
Larry Gluth, President and CEO of BDI, bid farewell to the outgoing board members and welcomed those who joined: “I would like to thank our directors who have rotated off the board after their terms of service. Their contributions to the organization have left a lasting impact. We are thankful for their leadership in helping establish BDI as a beacon of hope for those with disabilities. While we hope that we’ll continue to receive their input and support in the years to come, we are also excited to welcome our new members. Their expertise and fresh perspectives will be instrumental in the future growth of BDI.”
About Bobby Dodd Institute
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit offering a continuum of support for all ages, stages, and levels of need for people with disabilities and their families. BDI also operates several social enterprises to fund its programs and to place people with disabilities in inclusive-minded workplaces. These business services include Contact center and switchboard operations, Mailroom management, Facility management, Supply chain and logistics solutions.
BDI began as a program at All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) in 1960. After decades apart, the two organizations merged in 2018 to reconnect their shared mission and better serve those with disabilities. BDI is proud to carry on the legacy of the former Georgia Tech football coach, dedicated volunteer, and passionate advocate of individuals with disabilities—Bobby Dodd. BDI serves people with disabilities throughout Georgia and has worksites in five states.
