Director of Compliance & Associate Counsel

Director of Compliance & Associate Counsel

Scion Executive Search has been retained to identify an incoming Director of Compliance & Associate Counsel on behalf of our client, Fello, a nonprofit dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities throughout Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Fello’s mission is to support people with disabilities to live the lives they choose by creating opportunities, promoting respect and equity, and providing access to services.

This full‑time, on‑site opportunity is for immediate hire and is based in Severn, Maryland.

The Director of Compliance & Associate Counsel ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, licensing standards, and government contracts while guiding internal policies and quality improvement initiatives. The role provides broad legal support across the organization in multiple areas, including contracts, real estate, landlord‑tenant matters, guardianship, and worker’s compensation claims.

Partnering closely with the SVP of Administration & General Counsel, the Director drives compliance excellence and leads risk management across Fello and its subsidiaries. Acting as Fello’s primary liaison to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ), the Director also serves as Safety Officer, facilitates the Health & Safety Committee, and manages Fleet Services. As a key member of the Leadership Council, the leader provides legal counsel across departments, fosters a culture of accountability and integrity, and helps drive systems that sustain Fello’s mission and long‑term success.

Founded in 1961 by a group of parents, Fello believes that people with disabilities deserve the same opportunities for self‑determination as any other community member. The organization supports more than 4,000 people with disabilities and their families throughout Maryland, providing comprehensive programs that span the full spectrum of life from birth to retirement.

Fello’s Core Values guide all programs and services:

• We embrace individuality.
• We are heart‑driven.
• We take strategic risks.
• We are action‑oriented.
• We promote equity and respect.

• Oversee program discoveries, ensuring thorough, objective, and timely reports while maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with the SVP of Administration & General Counsel to monitor and facilitate compliance programs across Fello and its subsidiaries.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies, licensing requirements, government contracts, and internal policies.
• Assist in the legal review and development of contracts and agreements.
• Oversee risk management and quality improvement initiatives, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending corrective actions.
• Provide legal counsel and guidance to organizational leaders, translating complex legal and compliance issues into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices to proactively mitigate risk.
• Adapt to shifting priorities and diverse legal and compliance challenges, providing flexible solutions across the organization.
• Manage all aspects of Fleet Services operations, ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Participate as an active member of the Leadership Council, contributing to organizational strategy and executive decision making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive compliance and implement organizational change.
• Foster a consultative, empathetic approach to legal and compliance support, aligning actions with Fello’s mission and values.

• Juris Doctor (JD) and license to practice law in the State of Maryland.
• 3+ years of experience as a practicing attorney or in‑house counsel.
• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience managing large‑scale compliance programs.
• Experience in nonprofit, housing, contract, or licensing compliance preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex regulatory, contractual, and licensing compliance in multi‑entity or nonprofit…