On February 15, 2022 LaVerne Buchanan, a former TransCen employee, passed away at the age of 73. Below is a tribute from our Past President Rich Luecking.

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LaVerne Buchanan exemplified all the high quality attributes that make for an effective professional and, more importantly, that make for a thoroughly decent human being: she was committed to assisting individuals with disabilities achieve personal success on the job and in life; she was a consummate professional who always strived to competently fulfill her work commitments; she was an effective role model for other colleagues, leading by example and by her effectiveness; she was considerate of her professional colleagues and team members; and she was always respectful and helpful to individuals and family members served by the programs with which she was associated.

LaVerne led or contributed to multiple ground-breaking projects during the course of her more than 25 years at TransCen. These include directing the start-up and operation of the Marriott Foundation’s Bridges from School to Work program in Washington DC, working as a senior consultant for several state-wide school to work transition initiatives in DC and Maryland, initiating an oral history program for disabled veterans, and providing professional guidance to transition professionals around the country. In addition, she found time to serve on the Boards of professional and community organizations, to serve as adjunct faculty at local universities, and to mentor other professionals who wanted to improve their effectiveness in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve career success. Top all that off with a killer smile and it is easy to see why this kind, smart, and totally enjoyable person was liked and respected by all who knew her! My own life and career were immensely enriched by having the opportunity to know and work alongside this great lady. RIP LaVerne!

Rich Luecking, Past President, TransCen, Inc.