Someone who like to give awards was given one of her own at the recent Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation )MOHR) conference in Duluth.
Lynne Megan, a 44-year veteran of the disability services field with a wide history of advocacy was given MOHR’s annual “Tip of the Spear Award” by MOHR President Julie Johnson. The award is for individuals who have demonstrated characteristics, traits and skills that have improved the lives of people with disabilities. An independent panel sleeks the award winner.
“The Tip of the Spear Award recognizes somebody who jumps to act and inspires others to do the same,” said Johnson. “Lynne always thinks about people with disabilities, communicates with everybody all the time about the importance of the work we do and the importance of including people with disabilities in the community.”
Megan said she was humbled and inspired by the honor and being recognized among her peers. “Know that our work is not done. We still have amazing changes that we can and want to do to be able to move our future forward,” she said.
Megan is president and CEO of TSE, Inc. a St. Paul-based disability day service and employment provider serving 260 people, almost half of them in community-based jobs.
Working with The Arc of Minnesota, she supported the “Unlock the Waiting List” bill in the 1990s which allowed more than 7,000 people with disabilities to access services through an expanded waiver program, said Bob Brick, a disability services veteran who is currently the COO of Excelerate.
On the national level, Megan helped advance the objectives of the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), serving on its board, as a trustee, advisor and in leadership development, said ANCOR CEO Barbara Merrill. “There really isn’t a substantive ANCOR initiative that hasn’t benefited from Lynne’s passion, dedication and steady leadership.”
21st Century Bank VP John Bennett also praised Megan, saying, made similar comments in a nomination “Her commitment to meet and address the needs of the less fortunate knows no boundaries as her reach spans city, state and national levels. Her influence carries tremendous weight and merit both personally and professionally, which she shares eagerly on every worthy cause.”
Megan is involved in many civic activities, including the Optimist Club. She’s a big fan of the St. Paul Winter Carnival.
She’s active in MOHR on its board and with ARRM and has served as a member of the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities (MNCDD).
With MOHR, Megan has been a leader in ensuring that direct support professionals are recognized.
MOHR is comprised of about 100 adult day, day training and habilitation, extended employment, and supported employment service provider members serving in excess of 26,000 Minnesotans with disabilities.
