Boca Raton, FL (June 6, 2023) The Habilitation Center (HabCenter) board of directors has selected 20-year nonprofit executive Sherry A. Henry, M.B.A., as the affiliate’s new Chief Executive Officer. Effective August 1, she will transition under the leadership of current Executive Director Robert DiRocco, who will retire in July. The announcement was made by the HabCenter’s Board President Stephen Pollart, who led the succession process supported by a four-person ED Selection Committee of community executives, past HabCenter board member, and a consultant.

Serving at the helm of HabCenter, Henry will continue to drive the affiliate’s mission to educate, empower, and enable individuals with developmental differences and mental health issues. Responsible for senior organizational leadership, management, and oversight of all aspects of operations, she will focus on development and implementation of the strategic plan, vision, long-term goals, objectives set forth by the Board of Directors and leadership team—to improve the HabCenter brand to be top of mind for adults with neurodiverse and mental health challenges.

According to Pollart, Henry was selected from a strong field of candidates with diverse, demonstrated track records in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning and development. He noted the recruitment generated more than 60 well-qualified applicants and the selection process was “deliberate, competitive, robust and comprehensive.”

The board was pleased with the number and quality of high-profile candidates that applied for the role,” noted Pollart. “Sherry rose above with her nonprofit experience, demonstrated community engagement, donor relationships, extensive philanthropic cultivation and stewardship perspectives, and her ability to create, and implement successful development programs. She is a strategic thinker and we are confident that she is the next leader to deliver on the mission we all support. We know she will take HabCenter to new heights and build on the legacy that Bob DiRocco created during his tenure.”

Henry currently serves as the affiliates Director of Development, overseeing fundraising efforts, community engagements and donor relations. Prior to this position, she worked in higher education for over 19 years. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of Annual Giving at Lynn University where she was responsible for overseeing development operations, marketing and communications, advancement services and was instrumental in growing the annual fund program, raising scholarship funds for students with financial need and spearheading the university’s Giving Days and Crowdfunding campaigns.

Henry earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Psychology, Cum Laude, from Lynn University and her Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Lynn University. She holds a Florida Notary Public Commission certification and is a Boca Chamber, Leadership Boca 2023 alumna. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Henry is married, and has two sons.

About the HabCenter:

HabCenter Boca Raton is a nonprofit organization that opened its doors in 1978 to equip adults with special needs with the knowledge, skills, and behavior needed to lead useful and productive lives with dignity, respect, and independence. HabCenter provides a safe, enriching environment to empower the spirit of those individuals it serves and encourage their unlimited potential. Essential programs the HabCenter offers are Social Services, and mental-wellness counseling, Developmental Training, Programs in Education, Art and Recreation (P.E.A.R.), and Vocational Training within HabCo Manufacturing and the HabCenter Plant Nursery that provide horticultural training. HabCenter also offers local businesses and universities partnership opportunities through HabCo Manufacturing, the Nursery and counseling, special education and occupational therapy internship programs. HabCenter also has a Supported Employment program, which provides competitive integrated employment (CIE) opportunities for clients who can work in the community by preparing them with the knowledge, skills and behaviors they need to be successful. To learn more, visit habcenter.org.