The Arc Westchester & Arc Westchester Foundation Executives Recognized for Outstanding Leadership
Nonprofit’s female leaders honored by The Arc US and Association of Fundraising Professionals-NY Greater Hudson Valley Chapter
Westchester County, N.Y. (December 5, 2022) – The Arc Westchester and Arc Westchester Foundation today announced that two of its female leaders have been recognized for their excellence in supporting people with developmental disabilities.
Tibi Guzmán, Executive Director & CEO, The Arc Westchester, was honored with the Executive Excellence Award by The Arc US during its 2022 National Convention. This award is presented annually to a chapter Executive Director/CEO whose career exemplifies, to the highest degree, fulfillment of the mission, core values and position statements of The Arc. It is the highest honor bestowed by The Arc’s National Council of Executives.
“I am grateful to The Arc and its National Council of Executives for this prestigious award,” Tibi Guzmán, Executive Director & CEO, The Arc Westchester, said. “The Arc Westchester is a vital resource for people with developmental disabilities and their families, and I am proud to lead a dedicated team of staff who are invested in the health, safety and happiness of these individuals.”
Since becoming Executive Director & CEO, Ms. Guzmán has been instrumental in helping the chapter to become more data-driven, ensuring the necessary information is available to thrive within an outcome-based system. Her outstanding leadership and commitment to the health, safety and well-being of individuals supported by the organization was vital during COVID-19, and it is because of her swift action and vigilance that The Arc Westchester was able to weather this storm. Ms. Guzmán is also a member of The Arc New York’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee.
A second nod to the strong female leaders guiding the organization, Nancy Patota, Executive Director, The Arc Westchester Foundation, was recently honored with the 2022 Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals-NY Greater Hudson Valley Chapter (AFP-NY Greater Hudson Valley Chapter). The award was presented during the 16th annual AFP-NY Greater Hudson Valley Chapter National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon.
“The Arc Westchester Foundation is committed to raising funds that enhance quality of life for people with developmental disabilities,” Nancy Patota, Executive Director, The Arc Westchester Foundation, said. “The fundraising our team does is critical to support services that State and Federal funding don’t cover, and I’m thankful to the AFP-NY Greater Hudson Valley Chapter for recognizing the importance of the work that we do and impact it makes.”
Ms. Patota directs and coordinates all fundraising and development efforts to support The Arc Westchester’s programs and services not funded by government sources. In addition, she is responsible for driving charitable giving through individual membership, special events, major/planned giving, and corporate and foundation funding. Her excellence in fundraising and donor relations was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time she was faced with the daunting task of reinventing her fundraising program, which has historically relied heavily on in-person events, while facing a growing demand for funding from The Arc Westchester chapter as the costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) and implementing additional health and safety protocols were skyrocketing.
###
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.
