Celebrating Dan McEachran: Over Ten Years of Service

After ten plus years of service, Baltimore County’s beloved Program Director, Dan McEachran, has retired. We recently sat down with Dan to talk about his time at CASA of Baltimore County. The team at Maryland CASA wants to congratulate and celebrate all of the work Dan has done for CASA of Baltimore County. Read more about Dan’s outstanding service below. 

What led you to originally accept the position of Program Director?

“I had originally been hired as an Advocate Supervisor, and when the Program Director position became available it seemed like a good next step.” 

What, if anything, do you wish you would have known before you took the job as Program Director?

“Not necessarily anything-I knew what I was getting into.” 

What did you like most, and least, about being a Program Director for Baltimore County CASA?

“First, I liked that the position gave me a chance to do things that I have had experience in throughout my life, all in one job. I had practiced law with Legal Aid in New Jersey and, although I am not licensed in Maryland, my legal knowledge was helpful in this role; I also taught middle school for 9 years and was able to continue to do this by leading trainings; and I was able to use my social work knowledge.  I am very appreciative to God for giving me this opportunity. I have also enjoyed meeting and working with all our volunteers. Although I have my own case load as well, being Program Director allows me to get to know most of the volunteers, and I have enjoyed getting to know such a special group of people.  I have also been blessed to work with a wonderful group of co-workers, who I have appreciated being able to work with.   

The thing I have liked least about being Program Director are those situations where the lack of placements or available services limits our ability to advocate in the best interests of the children we work with.  This issue has increased since the Pandemic and is frustrating to both volunteers and staff." 

What changes do you believe could benefit this organization?

“I think the new Program Director, Karen Coleman, has already started clarifying and standardizing processes for working with cases, which is needed.” 

What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time as a Program Director?

“I think CASA of Baltimore County has a good relationship most of the different organizations involved in the Child Welfare Process, including Judges and Magistrate's; the Juvenile court clerk's office; the Department of Social Services; children's attorneys; and parent's attorneys. We have worked hard on this, while at the same time I think maintaining our ability and role as independent participants in the process acting and making recommendations in the best interests of children.” 

What are you looking forward to in your retirement?

“I look forward to visiting grandchildren; exercising more; and hopefully finding something else I can be actively involved with.”  

What aspects of your job or what were you doing when you most enjoyed work?

“I enjoyed talking with volunteers, being able to offer help and guidance; leading training.” 

What have been the most significant changes in work culture since you started?

“The most significant changes have been coming up with solutions to issues and spending more relaxed time with staff.” 

How has this role helped you to learn or grow?

“I have learned to be more accepting of people. This has come from working with children and youth who have had to deal with a variety of issues and do so with resilience and courage. I’ve learned a lot from working with our volunteers who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and who show such commitment and care for the children they work with.” 

What have been the most significant changes in work culture since you started?

“The ability and desire to work from home because of the Pandemic.  This has been an issue in terms of allowing staff to work from home as much as possible but still meeting program needs that are better dealt with in person. This has involved balancing time when we all need to be in the office for collaboration and to support each other, with allowing staff to work at home when they can.” 

We wish all the best to Dan on his retirement and are appreciative of all the work he has done for Baltimore County CASA! To learn more about what a CASA does and how you can get involved in Baltimore County, visit https://casabaltco.org/.