NCIA Announces 2026 Board of Directors to Guide Growth and Mission Impact
Leadership team to support strategic direction and organizational excellence
Baltimore, MD — June 27, 2025 — NCIA is pleased to announce its 2026 Board of Directors. This dedicated group of professionals will provide strategic guidance and oversight as NCIA continues to expand its programs and deepen its impact for people in Maryland and North Carolina.
The NCIA Board plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s mission to help people with limited access to opportunity lead fulfilling, independent lives. With backgrounds spanning law, finance, human services, and nonprofit leadership, the board brings valuable expertise and a shared commitment to service.
“The strength and diversity of our board reflect the depth of NCIA’s work,” said Carole Argo, CEO of NCIA. “Each of these leaders brings experience, perspective, and a deep sense of responsibility to our mission. I am grateful for their guidance as we build on our legacy and look to the future.”
2026 NCIA Board of Directors:
- Walid Petiri, Chair
Owner & Chief Strategist, Financial Management Strategies - Carole Argo, President
Chief Executive Officer, NCIA - Aaron Bukowitz, Vice Chair
Chief Executive Officer (Retired), Offit Kurman - Deborah Kakaris, Secretary
Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer & Chief Information Officer, CFG Bank - Michelle Kilkenny, Member
Executive Director, Linwood Center - Rhonda Pierce-Brooks, Member
Vice President & Human Resources Director, Tower Federal Credit Union - John Raftery, Member
Managing Principal (Retired), Offit Kurman - Vince Wesley, Member
Senior Vice President (Retired), Truist Bank
About NCIA
Founded in 1977, NCIA is dedicated to empowering people with limited access to opportunities to build fulfilling lives and stronger communities through unconditional support. Driven by the belief that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, NCIA provides a wide range of services, including vocational training, youth special education, and comprehensive offerings for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We help people who need the deepest levels of support, including those with mental health disorders, recovering from addiction or homelessness, unemployed or underemployed, veterans, and returning citizens. Headquartered in Baltimore, NCIA has become a trusted partner and a beacon of hope for over 25,000 individuals throughout Maryland and beyond. By promoting independence, financial stability, equity, and compassion, NCIA is changing lives, one person at a time. For more information, visit www.ncianet.org.
