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Devereux N.J.’s Anthony Villone receives NJACP’s 2026 Donna Clinger Leadership Award
Congratulations to Devereux New Jersey Clinical Administrator Anthony Villone, M.A., BCBA, LBA, for receiving the New Jersey Association of Community Providers’ (NJACP) 2026 Donna Clinger Leadership Award. The prestigious award “recognizes an individual whose lifelong commitment and advocacy have made a lasting difference in the lives of others.” Villone is the first nominee from Devereux to be awarded this honor. Villone received the award as a result of his 15-plus years of behavioral healthcare experience and commitment to helping youth and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve their full potential. He was celebrated during NJACP’s annual statewide conference in March in Atlantic City, New Jersey. “I am truly humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Villone. “The award’s namesake, Donna Clinger, devoted her life to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making a profound impact on our community. To share an honor associated with someone who represents the level of dedication I aspire to is incredibly meaningful. Since joining Devereux, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most compassionate and resilient staff you could ever hope to meet. While our work is not easy, I would not change it for anything.” A career driven by purposeVillone began his journey with Devereux New Jersey in 2015 as a behavior specialist. He was promoted to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2018 before assuming his current position of clinical administrator in 2020. “The real heroes in this field, and the greatest teachers I have ever had, are the individuals we support,” Villone noted. “Every day, they remind us what resilience, growth, patience and kindness look like. They inspire us, challenge us and make us better providers – and better people. I look forward to continuing this important work and growing within the organization.” Demonstrating outstanding leadershipVillone was nominated for the Donna Clinger Leadership Award by Devereux New Jersey Clinical Director Michelle Lipchock, DSW, LCSW, and Assistant Clinical Director June McKim, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA. In her nomination letter, Lipchock praised Villone as an “exceptional ambassador for our field and an unwavering advocate for the individuals we serve.” “I have had the privilege of witnessing Anthony’s outstanding leadership, professional integrity and steadfast commitment to the individuals and families we serve,” Lipchock wrote. “His trajectory within our organization reflects a leader who not only excels clinically but also inspires excellence in others. Throughout his career, Anthony has consistently embodied the principles of Servant Leadership. He is frequently relied upon to provide calm and steady guidance, and model compassionate, trauma-informed interactions that uplift staff and increase confidence across teams.” About the Donna Clinger Leadership AwardIn 2018, NJACP established the Donna Clinger Leadership Award to pay tribute to longtime NJACP Board member and supporter Donna Clinger. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding dedication and commitment to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and promoting community participation. Learn more about Devereux New Jersey, and learn more about Devereux.
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