Dr. Eric Kurtz Appointed Executive Director of the Center for Disabilities (SD UCEDD/LEND)

March 12, 2019

Eric Kurtz, Ph.D., has been selected to serve as the Executive Director of the Center for Disabilities at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine.

Dr. Kurtz was selected following a nation-wide search. He has a strong record of leadership in various capacities, most recently as the Helmsley Charitable Trust's Interim Director for Rural Healthcare where he spearheaded initiatives and partnerships to improve access to quality healthcare across the Upper Midwest. He also formerly served several leadership roles at the Center for Disabilities, including as Director of the South Dakota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (SD LEND), Director of Clinical Operations and Community Services, and Director of the Autism Spectrum Disorders Program.

Dr. Kurtz received his Ph.D. from the University of South Dakota with specialized training in neurodevelopmental disorders. He has an extensive background providing comprehensive psychological and specialized diagnostic services within hospital, clinical, educational, and forensic settings. He has directed numerous interdisciplinary specialty clinics and provided technical assistance, consultation, and training to a variety of agencies regionally, nationally, and internationally. He has provided interdisciplinary clinical training for providers, medical students and residents, graduate students, and interns across several health systems and universities.

Dr. Kurtz began his new duties at the Center for Disabilities on February 11, 2019.

"I am truly honored to have been selected to lead the Center into the future. I am excited to continue to establish and expand critical partnerships to influence progress on enhancing the health, well-being, and quality of lives for individuals with disabilities and their families."