FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2026
Media Contact:
Diane Palmer
240-898-2183
dpalmer@innow.org
Silver Spring, Maryland — Independence Now is pleased to announce the election of Donna Herring as President of its Board of Directors and the appointment of Seth Scheler as Treasurer, both effective July 1, 2026. Herring succeeds Jamie Freeny, whose term as Board President concluded on June 30 after years of leadership including employment with the organization. Scheler succeeds Herring as Treasurer and will help oversee the organization’s financial stewardship and governance.
A Center for Independent Living serving people with disabilities throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Independence Now empowers individuals with disabilities to live independently and participate in their communities through advocacy, peer support, independent living skills training, information and referral, and transition services.
Herring brings more than two decades of experience in finance, governance, compliance, strategic planning, and organizational leadership to her new role. Since joining Independence Now’s Board of Directors in 2021, she has served as Treasurer, helping strengthen the organization’s financial oversight, governance, and long-term strategic planning.
Professionally, Herring has held leadership positions with nationally recognized organizations, including the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, and the Society for Human Resource Management. Today, she serves as an independent finance consultant, advising organizations on accounting, budgeting, compliance, internal controls, financial reporting, and systems implementation.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Herring is an active community leader who has served in numerous civic and nonprofit leadership roles throughout Maryland. Her volunteer service includes leadership with the Junior League of Prince George’s County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the National Federation of the Blind, The Arc of Maryland, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and several community and public service initiatives focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and disability advocacy.
As the mother and legal guardian of an adult daughter with significant disabilities, Herring brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her leadership.
“I am honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors of Independence Now,” said Herring. “The organization’s mission is deeply meaningful to me both professionally and personally. As a disability advocate, community leader, and mother of an adult daughter with disabilities, I have seen firsthand the importance of self-determination, accessibility, and community-based supports in helping individuals live independent and fulfilling lives.
“I look forward to working alongside our dedicated board members, staff, consumers, partners, and supporters to build upon Independence Now’s strong foundation, expand opportunities for people with disabilities, and strengthen our impact throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Together, we will continue advancing independence, inclusion, and equal access so that every person has the opportunity to fully participate in community life and achieve their goals.”
Independence Now is also pleased to welcome Seth Scheler as Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Scheler is an experienced public accounting professional with nearly two decades of expertise, specializing in nonprofit organizations, including those that receive government funding. Throughout his career, he has developed a deep understanding of the regulatory, compliance, and financial reporting complexities unique to the nonprofit sector. Prior to being elected Treasuer, Scheler served on Independence Now’s Finance Committee since September 2025.
Scheler is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations succeed. He brings a thoughtful, advisory-focused approach to his work, going beyond technical accounting to provide practical recommendations that strengthen operations, improve financial stewardship, and support long-term sustainability. His work is grounded in a genuine commitment to the impact these organizations make in their communities.
Known for his collaborative mindset, Scheler partners closely with clients and colleagues to deliver insights that align financial strategy with organizational goals. Outside of his professional role, he is highly engaged in his community, volunteering as a youth hockey coach where he enjoys mentoring and helping young athletes develop both their skills and confidence.
“We are very excited and honored to work with Donna in a broader capacity as Board President and having Seth expand his role as Treasurer,” said Diane Palmer, Executive Director of Independence Now. “Donna’s exceptional financial expertise, strategic leadership, and deep personal commitment to our mission, combined with Seth’s extensive nonprofit accounting experience and passion for helping mission-driven organizations thrive, provide Independence Now with a strong leadership team to help guide Independence Now into its next chapter.”
Independence Now also extends its appreciation to outgoing Board President Jamie Freeny for his time as Board President and Board member then earlier in his career, serving as Independence Now’s Director of Housing Advocacy and Independent Living Services Coordinator.
About Independence Now
Independence Now is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living designed, governed, and staffed by a majority of people with disabilities and serves consumers residing in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland. Driven by a vision that people with disabilities live independent and fully inclusive lives and are recognized by society as equal, Independence Now offers a comprehensive suite of services that include Information and Referral, Advocacy, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills training, and Transition.
Visit innow.org to learn more and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
