Board of Directors and Staff

Tom Pearson

Executive Director

Tom has served as the Executive Director of The Arc of McLennan County for 15 years. Tom grew up in Waco and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Baylor University and a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Seminary. Prior to his work with The Arc, he was a pastor in Missouri and Mississippi and then did curriculum development for an educational non-profit.

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Ovida Williams

Office Manager

Born in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High School, Ovida has lived in Waco for 26 years.  She has worked as the Office Manager for The Arc since December 1992.

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Brandy Abel-Clark

Program Director

Brandy has been affiliated with The Arc of McLennan County in some capacity for 10 years. She currently serves as The Arc’s Program Director, overseeing the adult program at the Opportunity Center and the children’s after-school program and summer camp program. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, and worked for Waco ISD for six years, both as a teacher and as a Vocational/Transition Coordinator before coming to The Arc. Brandy hopes to help people empower themselves and reach their personal and vocational goals.

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