DDD Staff Announcements - Joy Decker and Alicia Robinson
I am thrilled to announce two exciting changes to the DDD team. On July 1, 2024, Joy Decker accepted the role of Deputy Director of Policy, Strategic Planning and Licensure. In addition, Alicia Robinson accepted the role of Deputy Director of Community Services Program. Joy has served the Division since 2021, bringing her 30 plus years of experience to improving quality and community systems to respond to individual needs. Alicia joined DDD in 2020, leading the effort to ensuring people have homes and supports they want and need. As you can see from their bios below, they will harness their wealth of experience and vision in their new roles to benefit the individuals that we serve in DDD as well as IDHS in efforts to provide quality services to all Illinoisans. Please join me in congratulating Joy and Alicia.
All the best,
Tonya Piephoff, Director
Joy Decker| Deputy Director, Policy, Strategic Planning, and Licensure
Joy Decker (She/Her) is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping and serving people. From an early age, her family instilled the personal values of compassion, selflessness, and responsibility. These core values have led her to a career in the nonprofit sector and continue to be guiding principles in her work today at IDHS. Joy has over 30 years of nonprofit experience, specifically working for community providers that serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). She has served in roles from providing direct services, administrative positions, Director of Programs, and Chief Executive Officer.
Joy joined IDHS in May 2021 in the Division of Developmental Disabilities as Deputy Director, Community Services Program. In this role, she is responsible for the management and oversight of the Community Services, Quality Management, and Medicaid Waiver Administration Bureaus.
Joy is very excited to move into the Deputy Director of Policy, Strategic Planning and Licensure and continue serving individuals with I/DD. Joy's educational background and training include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Drake University and a Master's in Non-Profit Administration with distinction from North Park University
Joy enjoys spending time with her family and as self-proclaimed foodie enjoys exploring new restaurants and different cuisines.
Alicia Robinson| Deputy Director, Community Services and Programs
Alicia Robinson is committed to driving positive change in human and social services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). She has served as the Northern Region Facilitator of Community Services/Regional Services since 2020 and as the Administrator of the Bureau of Community Services since 2023. In these roles, she works closely with stakeholders to provide technical assistance and support to individuals in crisis or requiring specialized care. Alicia also plays a vital role in developing policies, planning programs, and implementing services for individuals with I/DD. Prior to joining the state, Alicia has over a decade of experience working for a nonprofit organization in Chicago.
Alicia holds a master's degree in industrial organizational psychology from Argosy University and a bachelor's degree in behavioral science from East-West University.
Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys interior decorating and exploring nature. Alicia is married with three children.
Alicia has demonstrated her commitment to leadership development and mentorship through various programs. In 2021, she served as a mentor for the IDHS/DFCS Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Development Program (L.E.A.D.). In 2022, she was selected for the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.). Additionally, Alicia has been accepted into the G.O.A.L. A.I.M. Mentoring Program, further solidifying her dedication to professional growth and excellence.
Alicia is looking forward to stepping into this new role as the Deputy Director of Community Services and Programs where she feels she can continue to make a difference in the lives of the individuals served by the Division of Developmental Disabilities.
The information contained herein should not be considered a substitute for the appropriate official statutes, rules, regulations, or the advice of legal counsel.
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