Linden Resources Key Staff

Linda Chandler, Chief Executive Officer
Linden Resources’ board of directors appointed Linda Chandler as the organization’s 4th CEO in its 50-year history in September 2009.  Linda brings more than 30 years of experience working in nonprofit and for-profit organizations.  Linda oversees all agency operations and sets strategic direction.  In her short time with Linden, she has lead the agency through a renewal of its vision, mission and values statement, renovated the agency website, overseen the acquisition of Linden’s first two AbilityOne contracts in more than seven years, has doubled organizational capacity for providing job placement services and lead the creation of a one-page three-year board approved strategic plan to abundantly advance the organization’s mission and business operations. 

Prior to joining Linden, Linda served as VP Operations for Goodwill Industries International, Senior VP for the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), and was also Senior VP with the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).   Her experience in for-profit companies includes senior leadership positions with Griffith Consumers Inc., Coca-Cola Bottling Company, BarclaysAmericanCorporation, and Bank of America.  Linda holds a BA in Chemistry from Duke University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Edward Suggs, Chief Financial Officer
Edward joined Linden in 2009 and is a finance executive with 15 years experience providing financial expertise to non-profit organizations to enhance and create cost-saving efficiencies while increasing revenue potential.   Edward oversees all of the day-to-day financial operations for Linden and all financial reporting.  Edward holds an MS in Accountancy from the University of Phoenix and a BS in Financial Management from Southeastern University.  He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and serves as a volunteer and mentor with the Alpha Leadership Project.

Marshall Henson, VP Workforce Development
Marshall has been leading rehabilitative services in outpatient, residential, and vocational settings for over 7 years.    Since 2006, Marshall has led rehabilitative and workforce development programs for Linden Resources and is responsible for oversight of daily operations, new program development, service expansion, and program modification based on community need and best practices.   Prior to joining Linden, Marshall worked with Community Residences, Inc., managing and directing residential services for adults with severe disabilities around the D.C Metro region.   A former Health Extension Volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Malawi, Southeast Africa, Marshall has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas and is currently in pursuit of a Masters of Public Policy through George Mason University. 

Virgil Newkirk, VP Operations
Virgil has been with Linden since 1988 where he started as Government Operations Manager and worked his way up to VP Operations, a position he has held for 10 years.   Virgil is responsible for overseeing all agency business operations, facilities and AbilityOne government contracts.  During his tenure, he has overseen the expansion of Linden’s operations to include a new business line in warehousing and fulfillment and the successful addition of two large AbilityOne government contract operations.  Virgil holds a BA from the University of Richmond and served the country as an Actions Officer for Army Personnel Command for Desert Shield/Desert Storm and in the Army Reserves for 11 years.

 Donnell Karimah, MA, SPHR  VP Human Resources
Formally trained as a “scientist”, Donnell combines his unique background in biology, medicine and human resources with a passion for helping people, which speaks to his mantra, “healthy people with healthy relationships are healthy employees who build and maintain healthy organizations”. Donnell joined Linden in 2010 and brings more than 18 years of human resources specific and related experience including stints as an HR Director, Employment Manager and Recruiter in both non-profit and for-profit organizations.  Donnell holds a BA in Biology from American University, an MA in Organizational Management from George Washington University and has his Senior Professional Human Resources certification from the Human Resources Ceritification Institute/Society of Human Resources Management.