Stanfort J. Perry to Succeed Michael Mascari As Executive Director of AHRC Nassau
(PRWEB) January 30, 2015 -- AHRC Nassau, the leading provider of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities throughout Nassau County, is pleased to announce Stanfort J. Perry will become its new Executive Director when Michael Mascari retires at the end of this year after serving 26 years in the post.
“The service model developed since de-institutionalization is changing,” noted Mr. Mascari. “We are embarking on the next stage of programming which will have its focus on more individualized and self-directed services. Stanfort’s breadth of experience, coupled with his compassion for the people and families AHRC supports, distinguished him as the person to lead our organization through this transition and beyond.”
Mr. Perry joined AHRC Nassau as its Associate Executive Director in 2013 and will continue in this position until the end of this year. He currently oversees the management of a full range of programs including AHRC’s Residential and Day Program, Employment Services, Family and Community Support Services, COMPASS and Quality Assurance. AHRC Nassau is the third largest agency in New York State serving people with developmental disabilities.
In his new role as Executive Director of AHRC Nassau and its affiliate organizations which include Brookville Center for Children’s Services, Advantage Care Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Inc. and Citizens Options Unlimited, Inc. Mr. Perry will oversee operating budgets of approximately $200 million and a workforce of more than 3,100 professionals committed to enriching the lives of over 4,000 people with disabilities throughout Long Island.
Before joining AHRC Nassau, Mr. Perry spent 14 years as Executive Director of Arc of Onondaga County, which serves more than 3,000 people with developmental disabilities and their families. Previously he served as Executive Director of Hopevale, Inc., an organization providing residential treatment, family support, foster care, education and clinical services to children and families drawn from more than 30 counties throughout New York State. He served seven years as a member of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council.
Mr. Perry currently serves on the Board of Directors for the New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID) which is dedicated to providing ongoing employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities throughout New York State. “I believe it will be important for Long Island employers to learn more about the benefits of hiring a person with a disability, both in gaining a valuable member of their workforce and becoming eligible for significant tax credits to support business growth,” said Mr. Perry.
Mr. Mascari’s retirement, effective December 31st, will close a long career dedicated to advocating on behalf of people with disabilities. When Mr. Mascari joined AHRC Nassau in 1988 the agency had an annual budget of $12 million and served nearly 500 people with developmental disabilities.
Over the course of his tenure, Mr. Mascari grew the agency to be one of the largest providers in New York State which currently includes 83 community residences and 54 supportive apartments, 34 community –based day centers, a vocational training center, two specialized health centers, and education programming serving over 1,000 children across Long Island. Under his professional leadership, the agency championed new legislation, pioneered innovative methods to promote full community inclusion, and continually found new ways to better support people with special needs.
“When Michael joined AHRC he had to walk in the footsteps of Helen Kaplan, legendary parent-advocate and Executive Director. Michael grew the organization and our services to meet the challenges of the time. Stanfort has similar shoes to fill,” said Paul Giordano, President of AHRC Nassau’s Board of Directors. “The Board of Directors has full confidence that Stanfort will meet these new challenges and develop initiatives that will improve the lives of the people we support, as well as strengthen our organization for the next generation.”
Aimee Keegan, AHRC Nassau, http://www.ahrc.org, +1 (516) 626-1075 Ext: 1134, [email protected]
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