The HMS Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce the selection of Theresa Newhard (formerly Jenkinson) as the new President of HMS School, marking the conclusion of an exhaustive search process aimed at finding a leader with deep expertise, dedication, and vision for the future of HMS.
Following a rigorous seven-month regional search, the Board’s choice was unanimous given Theresa’s impressive background. As the departing Chief Strategy Officer at Inglis, Theresa oversaw community-based services through the Inglis Innovation Centers, including Assistive Technology Services, as well as leading strategic planning, marketing and communications, business development, and cross-departmental projects. Throughout her career she has focused on creating innovative, person-centered programs with lasting impact. Theresa’s extensive expertise in organizational strategy and passion for advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities resonated deeply with HMS’s mission, vision, and values.
Rebecca “Becky” Bradbeer, HMS Board Chair, expressed her excitement about the new appointment:
“It is with great pleasure that I announce Theresa Jenkinson as the new President of HMS! Theresa’s wealth of professional leadership experience within the disability realm, as well as her deep passion for this work, gave way to a unanimous decision to welcome her to HMS.”
Theresa will begin her onboarding with HMS in the next few weeks. During her initial months, she will engage with families, staff, and supporters, building connections that will help her lead with an understanding of the school’s vibrant community. This new leadership chapter represents a key milestone for HMS, as the school continues to empower its students and enrich their learning experiences and environment.
Becky, along with the Board of Trustees, further conveyed their gratitude, acknowledging the commitment of HMS families and the exceptional work of the HMS staff. “To our families, thank you for trusting us with the education and care of your extraordinary children. To our staff, your dedication and compassion make HMS a truly special place.”
Theresa expressed her gratitude about joining HMS at the helm:
“I am so grateful and excited to join this historic, student-focused, innovative school as its President. We know that every child who attends HMS has an amazing journey ahead of them – and it is truly a privilege to be a part of their experience while in school. I look forward to partnering with staff, students, families and the larger community to champion and advance high-quality education, health services, and life-enriching services for young people with complex disabilities.”
The HMS community warmly welcomes Theresa and looks forward to the positive and lasting impact her leadership will bring to the school.
Learn more about Theresa, below:
Before joining HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy as the new President in 2024, Theresa served as the Chief Strategy Officer of Inglis & the Executive Director of Inglis Community Services where she focused on strategic planning, business development and outreach for all three of Inglis’ programmatic entities. Additionally, Theresa oversaw the operations and thoughtful growth of 11 community-based services serving 2,500 individually annually within the disability community throughout Pennsylvania. Her portfolio included oversight of a team of 120 staff who provided crucial person-centered services at the Inglis Innovation Centers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, including assistive technology services, behavioral health, employment, housing training and advocacy, home modifications and more.
Prior to Inglis, Theresa spent almost nine years at Resources for Human Development (RHD), a $260M diversified human services nonprofit headquartered in Philadelphia with 5,000 staff. There she held several positions over her tenure, beginning as the director of RHD’s incubator, which provides consulting and fiscal sponsorship to 38 start-up nonprofits, moving into the role of assistant director of corporate operations, and concluding as the director of strategic initiatives, reporting to the CEO.
Earlier in her career, Theresa held communications and strategic planning roles at Coro NY Leadership Center and Acumen Fund in New York City. She began her career as Program Manager at Princeton University’s Alumnicorps Program, and as a Producer at washingtonpost.com. She is also spent five years as an Adjunct Professor of Human Services and Leadership Studies at Harcum College’s off-campus, community-based locations in North and West Philadelphia.
Outside of work, Theresa is a mother of four children, ages 7 – 12, in a diverse, blended family — including one very active Portuguese water dog puppy named Jo Jo. She is an avid hiker and is currently on a mission to visit one National Park each year. Theresa is “native” to Montgomery County, PA and has worked in Philadelphia for the past 15 years.
