President's Bio

Duane Yoder has served since 1980 as President of Garrett County Community Action Committee (GCCAC), whose activities and projects focus on strategies to assist low income persons to become more self sufficient and to address the conditions and causes of poverty.

Mr. Yoder plans, directs and coordinates the general management of the agency. He interprets broad policy statements and legislation as they impact the agency as well as the community; and maintains strong relationships with local, state and national officials. The President is charged with developing resources to meet the needs of the community, as well as for the overall performance of the agency. He acts as GCCAC’s Board of Director’s executive secretary.

During his tenure as President, GCCAC has emerged as one of the most successful rural community development corporations in Maryland.  The corporation is providing significant leadership in changing housing conditions in Western Maryland’s Garrett County. Since 1995, GCCAC has developed or financed 1,000 units of affordable housing and developed 100,000 square feet of community and commercial facility space. GCCAC also provides a variety of services in early child education, childcare, transportation, senior citizen programs, emergency services, and housing. GCCAC administers Early Head Start, Head Start, Child Care and After School Programs in Garrett County.

Mr. Yoder is a member of Leadership Maryland, a thriving network of informed, engaged leaders who are helping shape the future of Maryland. He served as chair person of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Advisory Council; as past president of the Maryland Community Action Partnership; and served on the Maryland Commission on Housing Policy. He is a member of the Western Maryland Economic Development Commission. He serves on a numerous local boards involved in community development and human service issues. He serves as a permanent member of the Garrett County Local Management Board and is a member of the Maryland Early Care and Education Committee.

Mr. Yoder has a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Mennonite University and has completed graduate work at the Universities of Maryland and West Virginia.

Administration

GCCAC’s administration division is responsible for the corporation fiscal management and accounting functions, administering corporate human resource policies and procedures, and directing risk management and fixed asset activities.

Community Services and Family Development

Has the direct task of managing and directing the Corporation’s various service programs.  The VP for Community Services is directly involved with new program planning and development, including resource development and service integration and coordination with external partners.