With more than 20 years of experience in the IDD field, Xian Edwards has dedicated his career to supporting individuals and the staff who serve them. He began as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), a role he took “out of necessity, which quickly grew into passion and lifelong commitment to serving others.” From there, his journey led him through positions as Assistant Manager, Manager, Program Coordinator, and Director, as well as two years in child welfare.
Most recently, Xian served at JCCA, one of New York’s human services agencies, before making the move to NCFL. While grateful for the opportunities in his past roles, he admits that he grew disheartened by “bureaucracy and cultures where staff weren’t valued.” That all changed when he discovered NCFL. “When a recruiter introduced me to NCFL, I was initially skeptical—but during my interview, I immediately connected with the mission, culture, and positive work environment. Joining NCFL felt like finding where I truly belong.”
Xian credits his early days as a DSP with preparing him to lead. “Starting as a DSP gave me the foundation to connect with both individuals and staff and understand the core values of this work,” he explains. His hands-on experience, combined with his management roles, shaped his ability to oversee operations, assess program needs, and make strategic decisions while never losing sight of quality care and safety.
When asked what excites him about NCFL, Xian highlights the agency’s culture of compassion and collaboration: “From the top down, leadership provides the resources and encouragement for staff to succeed, and it’s inspiring to see management speak so highly of their teams and step in to help whenever needed. Just as meaningful are the everyday moments of laughter and smiles shared among staff and the people we serve—truly feeling like a family.”
Looking ahead, Xian has clear goals for his role. “I hope to strengthen and reinforce daily operations so that the quality, wellbeing, and safety of our residents always remain first-class. I also want to inspire, mentor, and motivate staff to reach their fullest potential, helping them grow as leaders while fostering a culture where quality care is never compromised.”
Outside of NCFL, Xian is an avid traveler, having explored more than 20 countries so far. “Each trip is part of my personal journey to discover where I might want to live in my next chapter,” he shares. He also enjoys music, dancing, and spending time in the kitchen, where he describes himself as “a beast” who loves experimenting with flavors and entertaining family and friends.
We are thrilled to welcome Xian to the NCFL family and know his experience, passion, and leadership will have an incredible impact on our residents and staff alike!
