Melwood Welcomes Maisha McClain, New Vice President of Human Resources

December 23, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jewelyn Cosgrove, [email protected]

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Melwood is pleased to announce that Maisha McClain has joined its family of companies as its new Vice President of Human Resources, bringing more than two decades of strategic HR leadership experience across large, complex organizations. In her role, McClain will guide Melwood’s HR strategy, talent development, organizational culture, and employee experience.

McClain most recently served at the Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration), where she oversaw HR initiatives supporting more than 62,000 employees nationwide. During her tenure, she led transformative efforts to optimize HR operations, elevate the employee experience, and strengthen customer service. Prior to TSA, McClain held HR leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she led HR strategy for a division of more than 3,000 employees.

“Maisha brings an exceptional blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to building people-centered cultures,” said Larysa Kautz, President & CEO of Melwood. “Her experience leading large-scale HR functions within mission-driven organizations will be invaluable as Melwood continues to strengthen our people strategy and invest in the teams who make our impact possible. We are thrilled to welcome her to the executive team.”

“I’m honored to join Melwood and energized by the opportunity to support such meaningful work. I’m excited to partner with the team and our employees to enhance our HR capabilities and support the organization’s continued growth,” McClain said.

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About Melwood Inc.
Melwood is a family of companies with a shared vision of a world where people with disabilities are fully included. Melwood comprises three primary companies—Melwood Enterprises, Melwood Community Services, and Melwood Inc.—together serving as one of the nation’s leading advocates, service providers, and employers of people with disabilities and their caregivers. We offer employment, job placement, job training, life skills for independence, support services, and youth and community recreational services to more than 3,000 people each year in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. For more information, visit www.melwood.org.

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