Posted on October 29, 2026
Penn-Mar’s five-year strategic plan connects future priorities with the preparation needed to deliver person-centered supports.
Our Board of Directors recently approved Penn-Mar’s FY27 – FY31 Strategic Plan, charting where we need to go over the next five years and how to prepare today for what’s ahead.
Throughout our strategic planning process, we kept in mind that everything around us is changing, including technology, workforce needs, funding, regulations, and how people want to receive support. Penn-Mar needs to adapt while staying grounded in our mission.
Although planning began with a three-year horizon, the scope and interdependence of the work showed that meaningful implementation and lasting results would require five years. We not only asked what we wanted to accomplish, but also what it would take to be successful. The goal is not to try and do everything, but to do the right things, in the right order, and do them well.
This time, we brought strategic planning in-house and made collaboration central from the start. After the passing of Al Webber, our trusted partner for more than 25 years, the Board and leadership team chose to honor his legacy by drawing on expertise within Penn-Mar. I knew if we went this route, it would be an incredible amount of work. And believe me, it was!
Early in the process, a board retreat brought outside experts into the conversation to help us examine industry changes, emerging priorities, and current challenges. Board members and leaders then worked together in focused groups to shape the strategy, using AI tools to explore ideas more deeply.
We also invited directors and teams throughout Penn-Mar to ask questions, share perspectives, and refine the plan. I feel strongly that if we expect people to buy in, they should have the opportunity to weigh in.
The plan is centered on four interconnected strategies, all designed to strengthen Penn-Mar so we can continue providing person-centered supports.
Digital Readiness, Data-Informed Decision Making, & Organizational Effectiveness.
Given our organization’s complexity, we will use emerging technology to build a trusted, shared data foundation and disciplined decision-making process. With support from a business intelligence partner, Penn-Mar will set priorities, strengthen accountability and compliance readiness, use resources effectively, make faster and more accurate decisions, and better track outcomes for the people we support.
Empowering Technology & Service Model Evolution.
By advancing empowering technology, evolving service models, and improving communication, we can strengthen independence, choice, safety, connection, and outcomes for the people we support. We are committed to helping them and our team members use technology to achieve their goals, evaluate additional service options and geographic expansion where appropriate, and strengthen communication with families and guardians.
People-Powered Organizational Readiness & Sustainability.
We will position Penn-Mar for long-term success by strengthening succession planning, talent strategy, performance management, and change readiness. There’s a lot of work ahead to improve how we measure performance, support team member development, and prepare future leaders throughout the organization.
Growth, Partnerships, Merger & Acquisition Readiness.
It will fall on my shoulders to pursue opportunities that strengthen mission impact, growth, and sustainability while remaining values-aligned and financially disciplined. The goal is not growth for its own sake, but pursuing growth and partnerships that enhance Penn-Mar’s services to people with IDD.
Ultimately, the strategic plan brings every priority back to our mission: building a stronger Penn-Mar that can support people to live courageously for years to come.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who helped create a planning process that literally broke the mold. Special thanks to Jenn Hobbs, Chief Development & Marketing Officer, and Audra Hurd, Chief Technology Officer, for their key roles in moving this important work forward.