DELMAR, NY (01/19/2015)(readMedia)-- NYSARC, Inc., the largest nonprofit organization of its kind in the nation supporting individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities and their families, announces the appointment of Steven Kroll as Executive Director.

He comes to NYSARC after serving as Vice President of Governmental Affairs and External Relations at the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) for the past 19 years.

"NYSARC has a rich history of successful advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and their families," said Kroll. "NYSARC exists to help persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities lead safe, productive, and happy lives. The support systems for these people, their families, and their caregivers are in the midst of dramatic changes. I look forward to bringing my skills, experiences, and passion to NYSARC and to being a leader of this dynamic and wonderful organization that supports people in every community in New York State. It is a distinct honor to have been selected to succeed Marc Brandt who has provided tremendous leadership over these many years."

Kroll follows Marc N. Brandt, who retired Dec. 31 after 32 years of leading the Organization and more than four decades of dedicated service to the field. During this time, Brandt was appointed by four Governors to serve on the Advisory Council to the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, now the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. He also championed several legislative bills signed into law on advocacy issues and rights of people with developmental disabilities, including a bill of rights in community residences and a bill establishing an ombudsman on the grounds of developmental centers, and the Health Care Decisions Act, to name but a few.

Brandt considers Kroll's background and personality an ideal fit for NYSARC during this pivotal period. "Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to meet with Steven," he said. "These discussions have demonstrated that he possesses a remarkable aptitude to grasp our field's issues and challenges quickly. Steven brings exceptional leadership and political advocacy experience balanced with a strong sense of compassion and sensitivity for the needs of our Chapters, people with developmental disabilities, and their families."

Laura J. Kennedy, President, NYSARC, said, "I look forward to working with Steven as we face mounting challenges in serving people with developmental disabilities and their families in New York State. Steven brings a wealth of leadership skills, energy, and commitment to carry out the mission of our great Organization."

Kroll comes to NYSARC with almost three decades of federal and state policy development and advocacy experience and trade association leadership. His professional background also includes serving as a Legislative Assistant for Health Care and Education to the United States Senate, an Associate Director of the American Hospital Association Office of Federal Relations in Washington, DC, and the Interim Executive of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council.

He has been active in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees of Cobleskill Regional Hospital for the past 16 years. He is an active EMT and a volunteer leader with Delmar-Bethlehem EMS and has served as Assistant Chief of the Delmar Volunteer Fire Department. He is also Vice Chair of the New York State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services Council.

Kroll earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from SUNY Buffalo and his master's degree in health administration from Duke University.

He resides in Delmar, NY, with his wife, Tricia, and their two children.

About NYSARC, Inc.

NYSARC, Inc. is the largest nonprofit in New York and the United States serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The 54 Chapters comprising NYSARC, Inc. are located in every County in New York State. The Organization supports over 60,000 individuals, employs over 30,000 people, and has a membership of over 103,000.

Posted Monday January 19, 2015 at 06:01 am by NYSARC, Inc.
Last Updated Tuesday January 20, 2015 at 11:04 am