United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester Announces New Executive Director

Katie Meskell, Executive Producer of critically acclaimed documentary, Unforgotten:25 Years After Willowbrook", selected to lead the organization

Rye Brook, NY (PRWEB) January 9, 2003 -- United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester (UCPW/W) announced today that Katie Meskell, executive producer of the critically acclaimed documentary, Unforgotten:25 Years After Willowbrook", has become the organization's new Executive Director. On January 2, 2003, Meskell assumed the top position at the Westchester-based non-profit, working to provide services and programs to children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

Meskell joins the Organization after 21 years with HeartShare Human Service of New York, where she served as Executive Vice President. Under Meskells leadership, HeartShare services grew from a $3 million operation to a $35 million operation through an in-house staff of 1000 people. During this period, Meskell developed and operated programs that included group homes, adult day treatment centers, day habilitation centers, article 28 medical clinics, family support services, as well as early intervention and preschool centers.

Meskell, whose sister, Patti-Ann, was a resident and survivor of the infamous Willowbrook State School for developmentally disabled people, is an accomplished keynote speaker who has appeared nationally for committees and associations in the health and human services industry, and as a guest speaker on National Public Radio, Fox Network News, Good Day New York, and other local radio, cable shows and magazines. Meskell holds a Masters of Science degree from Hunter College and a Bachelor's degree from Lehman College.

"We're thrilled to have found a new Executive Director with such a strong commitment to promoting independence and success for those in need in our community. Katie's career demonstrates a passion for human services and a real talent for working collaboratively," said Richard Osterer, UCP/W Board President. "Her leadership will be a great asset in strengthening UCP/Ws commitment to its consumers and building partnerships with other non-profits and businesses."

As Executive Director of UCP/W, Meskell will work to continue to provide exceptional programs and services while expanding UCP/Ws development initiatives and public profile.

I am proud to have been selected to lead United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, an agency that represents the finest services the field has to offer," said Katie Meskell. I look forward to working with Board members, staff and volunteers to create new opportunities for success for those people with developmental disabilities for whom we provide services."

United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester has played an important role in the lives of thousands of children and adults across Westchester & Fairfield Counties, struggling to overcome the challenges they face as a result of physical and developmental disabilities.

About United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester:

Since 1949, United Cerebral Palsy of Westchester (www.ucpw.org) has established itself as one of the pre-eminent non-profit organizations in Westchester County. Serving children and adults with disabilities, UCP/W provides a multitude of services from primary education to vocational training, as well as specialized programs such as Assistive Technology and Animal Therapy. Each program focuses on fostering independence for individuals with disabilities, enabling them participate to the fullest extent in their community.