Chief Operating Officer

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR DISCOVERY: The Center for Discovery® (TCFD, The Center) is a non-profit organization, designated as a Center of Excellence by the New York State Department of Health and OPWDD. The Center is a major research and specialty center that offers residential, medical, clinical, specialty hospital, and special education programs as well as world-class Music and Creative Arts Therapy, Adapted Physical Education, and a biodynamic agricultural program among other unique services.

Located on 1,500 acres of land in the Mid-Hudson Region less than two hours from New York City, The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around the region and world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research and treatment for a myriad of complex conditions. The Center has a long history of innovation in curriculum development, program implementation, and assistive technology, leading to significant breakthroughs and life-changing opportunities.

Each year, The Center serves 1,200 children and adults from across New York State and beyond. Growing from 25 employees in 1980 to over 1,800 employees in 2024, The Center is the largest employer in Sullivan County, New York. Throughout 2010 and 2019, The Center for Discovery generated $1.77 billion of economic impact for the State of New York. The organization’s current operating budget is approximately $175 million with anticipated growth to $200 million.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key component of the senior leadership team of this best-practice, major research and specialty center with cutting-edge care and education for the most medically and behaviorally complex individuals. The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around the region and the world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research.

The COO ensures the efficient execution of the CEO’s vision by overseeing daily operations across key departments, including education, residential and medical services, clinical programs, and facilities management. The COO directs staffing, recruitment, and training initiatives to support workforce development while leading major strategic projects such as Children’s Specialty Hospital, and the newest program, a skilled nursing facility for aging adults, and facility expansions.

Most recently, the Center has embarked upon a new, ambitious strategic growth trajectory, with new programs and capital projects planned and in process. Please click here to review TCFD quick facts.

The COO reports to the Center’s President and CEO, Theresa Hamlin, Ed.D., and works with virtually every division and department of the organization. The COO will also work with an engaged board of directors and will also work closely with appropriate board committees.

The COO will hire and/or scale up the teams for the divisions and departments that report directly, including Operations, Residential Programs, School Programs (Clinical Services, Psychology), Health and Clinical Services (Nursing, Article 28 Clinic), People Operations, and Rock Hill Complex (Children’s Specialty Hospital, Center for Advanced Medical Care).