Meeting Highlights

We are pleased to welcome Mark Glucksman as the new President of The Arc Westchester Board of Directors. Mr. Glucksman has been involved with our organization for many years and is the parent of a family member who receives services through the organization. He replaced Steven N. Masket who served as president since 2024.

He brings extensive experience as a financial professional in the energy industry. We look forward to his leadership as President for the next two years.

Dr. Barbuto gave a wonderful and informative presentation to the membership. He spoke about the impact Federal and State Budget cuts could have on services.

He explained the steps OPWDD is taking to prepare for any changes ahead in technology and communication to better help families navigate the system. If you have any questions regarding his presentation, please email info@arcwestchester.org and we will be sure to pass it along.

CEO Tibi Guzmán shared that this year’s Annual Meeting will be her last before retiring at the end of the year, or once a successor is in place. She announced that a search committee has been formed to help guide the transition and identify the organization’s next leader.

Reflecting on her time with the organization, Tibi expressed deep gratitude for the many people she has had the privilege to work alongside over the years. She shared her confidence in the future, noting that the organization’s strength and continued innovation are rooted in the people it supports, their families, dedicated staff, generous donors, and the many advocates who champion its mission every day.

This year’s Annual Membership meeting also welcomed four people to the Board of Directors.

The newest Board Members are:

• Stacy Bouchard-Hall
• Keith Ferguson
• Deborah Paruolo
• Yingli Wen

Nominated for officer positions on the Board of Directors are Bradly Serlin as President Elect, Austin Harris as Secretary and Michael Briganti as Treasurer.  Other board members were approved for two and three year terms.

The Richard P. Swierat Advocate of The Year Award

We are proud to share that Aurea Vasquez was the recipient of this year’s Richard P. Swierat Advocate of The Year Award. Aurea has been an active participant in our day services programs for over 20 years, lives in one of our residences and serves on the Core Committee of Advocates here at The Arc Westchester. Aurea shared her voice at The Rally in the Valley, a large gathering of service providers asking for federal and state investment in people with disabilities. She also attended a fundraiser sponsored by our Foundation at Sam’s of Gedney Way. Dressed in green, she enthusiastically joined everyone in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Aurea also works several evenings a week at The Westchester Medical Center as a Kitchen Utility Worker. She takes great pride in her independence, arranging her own transportation, managing her own bank account, and continuing to work toward her goals. She loves to read, visits the library often to improve her reading skills, and is currently studying toward getting her driver’s license.  Congratulations Aurea!  (view video below)