Tibisay (Tibi) Guzmán Recognized as a Leading Woman in Business by 914INC. Magazine
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (PRWEB) November 30, 2018 -- The Arc Westchester, the largest nonprofit organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Westchester County, is pleased to announce that Executive Director and CEO Tibisay (Tibi) Guzmán was recently named one of 914INC.’s 2018 Women in Business. The annual list highlights the most accomplished, influential and inspirational female executives, entrepreneurs and government and nonprofit leaders in Westchester County. Selected from a competitive pool of nominees, she and 18 other female leaders were honored at the magazine’s annual awards luncheon on November 15.
“Tibi has been a driving force in the success of our organization and the expansion of our programs and services,” said Nancy Patota, executive director of The Arc Westchester Foundation. “She is a role model for other women both internally and externally, and an excellent example of how a mission-driven leader can make an impact on the community, an organization and all of its stakeholders."
Before being appointed Executive Director and CEO of The Arc Westchester in June 2018, Ms. Guzmán served as the Associate Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for 13 years. During her tenure, she has been responsible for different areas of the organization, including the Wellness Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, programs to enhance life skills and Career Supports services. She was integral in redesigning prevocational services to better prepare individuals for employment in the community. As COO, she oversaw an operating budget of $56 million with services ranging from Early Intervention/Preschool, programs for students transitioning from High School to supports for adults residing in 44 homes. She has also played a key role in building relationships with new organizations, allowing The Arc Westchester to attract new job hosts for its employment program and expand its inclusionary preschool program.
During her leadership of the recent strategic planning process, Ms. Guzmán engaged staff at all levels across the organization, encouraging them to contribute their ideas and recommendations for how the organization can achieve the goals outlined in its next strategic plan. This not only allowed staff to be actively involved in planning the organization’s future, but motivated them to become more engaged and accountable in the work that they do. By engaging staff at all levels across the organization in goal setting and evaluation of outcomes, she is helping the team to understand that every person plays a critical role in the success of the organization.
Ms. Guzmán took the helm at The Arc Westchester with her own unique style, experience and confidence, replacing a beloved executive director who held the position for over 35 years. While her professional background is in Health Care Administration, Ms. Guzmán has personal experience with I/DD as a parent of a son with Autism. She came from the Healthcare field as an Executive Vice President of Riverside Health Care Inc., a multi-healthcare system in Yonkers NY. Additionally, she was recently a board member of the New York State APSE chapter and participated in local I/DD, mental health, behavioral services, education and fund raising boards. Ms. Guzmán sat on the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health, Community Service Board for more than 12 years, and certified as a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives. Her community participations also include serving on the Board of Education for Bronxville Schools and Heartsong, Inc., an art and music therapy program for children with developmental disabilities.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition and share it with all of my colleagues and friends at The Arc Westchester who work so diligently to better the lives of those we serve,” said Guzmán. “I am honored to be included in such a talented and passionate group of women who are making a true impact on our community.”
About The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. The organization’s 850 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
The mission of The Arc Westchester is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.
Kayleigh Lentz, Co-Communications Inc., +1 914-666-0066, [email protected]
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