NCIA CEO Carole Argo Announces Retirement After More Than a Decade of Service
With Argo set to retire in June 2026, NCIA begins national search to continue its mission-driven leadership.
Baltimore, MD. – NCIA today announced that Carole Argo will retire from her role as chief executive officer in June 2026, concluding a transformative 10-year career with the organization.
Argo began working with NCIA in 2008 as a part-time consultant. She joined full-time in 2015 as chief operating officer and has served as CEO since 2022. During her tenure as CEO, NCIA has grown revenue more than 30% to $47 million, and strengthened net assets from $11 million to $21 million. Through smart growth and strategic planning, the organization strengthened its financial position, expanded programs and earned the continued confidence of board members and partners. Today, NCIA has served more than 25,000 people across Maryland and beyond, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, economic hardship and involvement in the criminal justice system.
“This decision was not an easy one, but it is the right time for me and for NCIA,” said Argo. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and that the legacy and mission of the founders remains deeply rooted in NCIA. We’ve created lasting change in people’s lives, and that’s only possible because of the people at the heart of this organization, including our staff, our partners and the individuals and families we serve. I will always be NCIA’s biggest champion.”
Carole will continue to serve on the NCIA Board of Directors following her retirement to ensure continuity and support throughout the leadership transition.
“Carole’s extraordinary leadership was pivotal during NCIA’s transition from our co-founder to her as CEO and in fueling our exemplary financial growth,” said Walid Petiri, Chair of the NCIA Board. “She has been the driving force in positioning NCIA among Maryland’s most respected and trusted human services organizations. Her commitment to financial discipline, operational excellence, staff empowerment, and person‑centered care has measurably improved thousands of lives. We’re grateful for her service and look forward to celebrating her contributions in the year ahead.”
Argo succeeded NCIA co-founder Herb Hoelter, becoming only the second CEO in the organization’s nearly 50-year history. Herb’s legacy remains at the core of NCIA’s mission to support and empower the most vulnerable, guided by the founding belief that everyone deserves a second chance to succeed.
“Carole has honored my father’s work in every way that matters,” said Sarah Coble, board member and daughter of co-founder Herb Hoelter. “She has modernized NCIA without losing sight of the values it was built on: compassion, dignity, and belief in every person’s potential. Our family is deeply grateful for her leadership, commitment, and heart for serving others.”
To ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition, the NCIA board of directors will launch a national search for Argo’s successor this month. The board has engaged DSG | Koya to partner with the Search Committee to identify and recruit its next CEO. Interested candidates or those wishing to share recommendations may contact the DSG | Koya team at ncia_ceo@koyapartners.com.
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.
