People before process
Every policy, workflow and tool should be measured by whether it improves the daily life of the person receiving support and the family beside them.
About LuAnn
A leader shaped by service and systems thinking.
Biography
Professional bio
LuAnn Leighton is the Chief Executive Officer and Program Director of Chesapeake Developmental Support Services (CDSS), a Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)-certified provider she founded in 2019. CDSS supports people with developmental disabilities throughout Maryland.
Her career spans human services and technology. That combination informs how she leads: with close attention to the people being served, and with a practical belief that well-designed systems, processes and tools can make care more reliable, transparent and humane.
LuAnn holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology, with a minor in Database Management Systems, from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the University of Baltimore, and a Master of Science in Information Technology from Towson University. She is currently a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at Drexel University, where her research examines the experiences of caregivers navigating Maryland's Community Pathways Waiver and how systems can better support them.
Alongside her work at CDSS, she is developing a Maryland charitable foundation initiative and exploring behavioral health ventures, both aimed at widening access to support for individuals and families.
What drives me is a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. I am passionate about breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and ensuring that individuals and families have the support they need to thrive. My greatest motivation comes from knowing that my work can create lasting change for future generations.
Leadership philosophy
How LuAnn leads.
Four principles that shape decisions at every level of the organization.
Accountability as care
Rigorous compliance, documentation and quality practices are not paperwork for its own sake. They are how an organization keeps its promises.
Technology in service of humanity
Systems should reduce friction for staff and families, not add to it. Good technology frees people to do the relational work only people can do.
Evidence over assumption
Listening carefully, gathering data and testing ideas leads to better decisions than habit. Research and practice should inform each other.
Memberships & Community
Professional memberships & community engagement.
LuAnn's memberships keep her connected to national thought leadership, Maryland's provider community and a legacy of service — each one an extension of her belief in lifelong learning and communities that care for one another.
National association
ANCOR
American Network of Community Options and Resources
Membership in ANCOR connects LuAnn to national thought leadership in community-based services — advocacy, provider innovation, workforce development and the design of inclusive services that let people with disabilities live full lives in their communities.
- National advocacy
- Provider innovation
- Workforce
- Inclusive services
Maryland association
MACS
Maryland Association of Community Services
Through MACS, LuAnn stays close to Maryland-specific policy, regulatory awareness and provider collaboration — peer learning that strengthens how local organizations support people with developmental disabilities and their families across the state.
- Maryland policy
- Provider collaboration
- Regulatory awareness
- Peer learning
Service sorority
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® reflects a commitment to sisterhood, scholarship and volunteerism — education, family empowerment, civic service and the everyday work of community well-being.
- Sisterhood & scholarship
- Volunteerism
- Family empowerment
- Civic service
Education
Academic foundation.
B.S., Computer Science, Information Technology — minor in Database Management Systems
University of Maryland Eastern Shore and University of Baltimore
Completed
M.S., Information Technology
Towson University
Completed
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Drexel University
Candidate
Connect
Invite LuAnn to your next conversation.
Speaking invitations, research collaboration and partnership inquiries are welcome.