A Call for True Leadership in DEI Webinar

Join this discussion on who often gets left behind, how DEI efforts alight with person centered values, the role of organizational courage,
and learn practical leadership actions.

Presenter:  Nick Burton

I am the Co-Executive Director at NextGen Synergy, Inc., where I focus on expanding capacity, fostering partnerships, and advancing best-practice models to support people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. At NextGen Synergy, we are committed to ensuring that every person has access to high-quality, person-driven services that promote autonomy, equity, and inclusion.

My work at NextGen Synergy is rooted in building strong collaborations, developing innovative service models, and driving systemic change to enhance knowledge, skills, and resources in the field of I/DD and mental health. I am particularly focused on workforce development, clinical capacity-building, technology integration, and advocacy to improve service access and quality for people with complex support needs.

With over 25 years of experience in the I/DD field, I have worked as a direct support professional, case manager, agency leader, and Director of Programs for Maryland’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, overseeing statewide services and programmatic supports. As the CEO of N. Burton Consulting LLC, I have partnered with provider agencies, government entities, and advocacy organizations to implement sustainable, person-centered strategies that improve outcomes for people with disabilities.

My career has been driven by a deep commitment to equity, social justice, and systemic innovation, ensuring that people with disabilities have meaningful opportunities to shape their own lives. Having worked across multiple states, including Montana, Illinois, Oregon, and Maryland, I bring a broad perspective on Long-Term Supports and Services (LTSS) and the diverse ways states implement Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in public administration from Portland State University. I currently live in Baltimore, Maryland, with my husband, Thomas, and our two cats, Gary and Lois.