In this episode of #SupportVAKids, host Mariellen Keely talks with Richard Nozzi-Dardano, Director of Project & Program Support at the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). With decades of experience leading large-scale initiatives across public and nonprofit sectors, Richard shares how his team helps the agency turn vision into action by supporting projects that strengthen operations, improve outcomes, and make services more responsive to the needs of families.

Richard reflects on what it takes to manage complexity in a statewide organization — from coordinating across divisions and aligning resources to cultivating a culture of accountability and innovation. He discusses lessons learned from leading modernization efforts, fostering collaboration between program and technology teams, and ensuring that every project keeps people at the center.

Together, Mariellen and Richard explore how structure and creativity can coexist in public service, what it means to build a learning organization, and why strong project governance matters for the future of human services in Virginia.