Unity House CEO to retire at year’s end

Liz Smith, Unity House’s top executive for more than 15 years, will retire December 31, capping a career dedicated to empowering people with disabilities.

Liz began her career in 1988 as a job coach in Unity House’s employment program. After taking time to have children and work five years for another nonprofit, she returned to Unity House in 1995 as a case manager.

Since then, she has had a profound effect on the organization’s person-centered culture, said Chief Operating Officer Darlene Podolak, who worked closely with Liz in 1995. As case manager, Liz was responsible for writing service plans for people Unity House supports. She was known for taking the time to get to know each resident, Darlene said.

“She was very creative,” Darlene said. “Every service plan was like a puzzle. She wanted to make it relevant for the person and yet fully reimbursable through Medicaid, which is not easy. She genuinely loved the people we support and wanted the best for each of them.”

Liz became Unity House’s first trainer in SCIP – strategies for crisis intervention and prevention – and she trained every relevant staff member long before the state mandated the training. Within three years, Liz became Unity House’s first director of quality assurance. In that role, she was responsible for ensuring that each Unity House program met or exceeded state regulations and standards of care.

In 1999, Liz was named the organization’s deputy executive director. She launched several initiatives to improve the quality of support the organization offers. Some required a simultaneous change in both culture and procedure. In leading the rollout of the new electronic recordkeeping system, she worked with departments one at a time, making sure each staff member felt comfortable using it effectively.

Former board member Jeannette Baird served on the search committee for the new chief executive in 2009 when Joyce Williams retired. Many qualified people applied and some were interviewed, she said, but Liz stood out.

“She was calm,” Jeannette said. “You felt that she was listening, that she was the kind of person who listens to others, and that she was not one to give up… I admire her.”

Ken Knight, who now serves as president of the board, voted to appoint Liz in 2009.

“She knew the place inside and out, how everything was done,” Ken said. “She had her own ideas on how we could improve things. She was looking to what the community needs are and how we could fulfill them. That continues to this very day.”

Liz said she will spend the rest of her time as CEO making sure Unity House has a strong three-year strategic plan and renewing the relationships that have helped her and the organization thrive.

“I want to see Darlene flourish as the next CEO,” Liz said. “I love Unity House and want to see it continue to be strong forever.”

Unity House’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Darlene Podolak as
the organization’s next CEO, effective January 1, 2026.

Darlene has served as Unity House’s chief operating officer since 2017. She oversees all
Unity House programs as well as the facilities department.

Darlene began her career in 1992, and in 1993 opened Unity House’s first group home for people with developmental disabilities. She became the program’s manager and later director of all PWDD day habilitation programs and PWDD residential programs in Cayuga County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music therapy and a master’s degree in management.

As COO, Darlene has worked directly with the board for many years, said Board
President Ken Knight.

“Darlene has impressed me as a very conscientious, knowledgeable person who can lead us into the future,” Ken said. “She’s going to hit the ground running.”