Archives: Arc Directors

Barry Clark is an accomplished professional who, in September 2023, assumed the role of Executive Director of The Arc Westchester Foundation. His remarkable background in fundraising and his active involvement in the community render him exceptionally suited to lead The Arc Westchester Foundation. Before taking on his role at The Arc Westchester Foundation, Mr. Clark served as the Chief Development Officer for the Dominican Friars Foundation in New York City. In this capacity, he gained invaluable insights into nonprofit development, making him well-equipped for his new role. Mr. Clark’s journey in the field of fundraising began when he joined Ruffalo Noel Levitz. During his tenure there, he collaborated with New York University (NYU) on fundraising initiatives for their Annual Fund, contributing to the advancement of NYU’s fundraising efforts. Barry Clark’s educational qualifications underscore his commitment to excellence in his field. He earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biology from Indiana University, displaying his diverse academic interests. Subsequently, he pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in accounting from Baruch College. In recognition of his fundraising expertise, Mr. Clark holds the distinction of being a Certified Fundraising Executive. Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Clark demonstrates his dedication to the community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Bronxville Adult School. His strong ties to the community are underscored by his residency in Fleetwood, where he resides with his wife and their 5-year-old son, who has special needs. His extensive experience and commitment to making a difference in the nonprofit sector make him an asset to the organization.

As an entrepreneur, Ruedi Laager formed Lukada International LLC in 2002 before acquiring a medical nutrition company manufacturing shaped purees geared at people with swallowing disabilities in the hospital and nursing home market. He then sold the company to the Hormel Corporation several years later. Today Lukada LLC is engaged with non-profit organization management and the retail sector. Previously Ruedi held a variety of executive positions in the hotel and hospitality industry working with Swissotel, Regent Hotels, the Relais and Chateaux Hotel Group and later The Hospitality Group International. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel management from the Hotel School in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In addition, in 2007, Ruedi and his wife, Alix, launched a project to assist the Kingdom of Bhutan to introduce education for children with disabilities into their school system. Subsequently, they founded and currently lead the US Special Education Advisory Committee to Bhutan which provides technical support and advice under the umbrella of The Bhutan Foundation in Washington DC. Ruedi is also very active on several non-profit boards addressing pressing issues for minorities around the globe

Ruedi and his wife Alix live with their 3 children in Larchmont. One of their twin sons was born with Down syndrome. As a family, they enjoy to travel and to explore the outdoors.