Press Release

Than Johnson, CEO of Champaign Residential Services, Inc. (CRSI), was awarded the Legacy Leaders Circle award from the ANCOR Foundation.  Located in Alexandria, Virginia, the foundation is a national organization whose mission, according to its website, “is to build the commitment and capacity of providers and communities to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities”.

 

Johnson is a past President of ANCOR (American Network of Community Options and Resources) and continues to serve on the Board of Directors as Vice Chair of Government Relations.

 

According to Wendy Sokol, current ANCOR president, the foundation’s Legacy Leaders Circle celebrates the accomplishments of the men and women who have paved the way to life in community settings for people with disabilities. To be included in this revered circle, a candidate must be a visionary leader who has made meaningful community participation a reality for the nearly 500,000 Americans with disabilities that ANCOR providers support.

 

“We know that Than Johnson has done this not only in Ohio but across the United States,” says Sokol. “Than is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and volunteers thousands of hours to ensure that their rights are protected.  He opens the door to their meaningful participation in the community through legislative and regulatory advances and actions that have resulted from his constant education of legislative representatives and government officials. Than Johnson is a respected leader, and as ANCOR's current President, it is my honor to participate in his induction into this revered circle.”

 

 The legacy leaders’ award also strives to recognize members who have made a significant contribution to the growth and development of ANCOR and who have served as leaders of the organization as well as in advocacy roles, according to Sam Hedrick who co-chairs with Johnson on the ANCOR Government Relations Committee.  “I cannot think of anyone who has contributed more in these areas of distinction. He has spent his career developing and leading grassroots, state and national advocacy efforts and is one of the most effective leaders in the country who is developing bi-partisan support for important legislative and regulatory action that improves the lives of people with disabilities. He always seeks to find ways to support the membership by sharing ideas, success stories and critical information that his organization has found to be beneficial in improving the quality and effectiveness of the industry as a whole.”

Learn more about ANCOR by visiting the CRSI website at www.crsi-oh.com/crsilinks.html.