Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian

Introduction

Leo’s lifelong career has been dedicated to ensuring that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, have the right and the opportunities to live full lives in the community. Leo has impacted countless individuals and families across this state both directly and through his state and national advocacy and policy work. It is not an overstatement to say that Leo will affect people for decades to come. He has been recognized numerous times for his achievements by state and national organizations, including The Arc’s National Conference of Executives Executive Excellence Award in 2022.

This is his enormous and lasting legacy.

Join us in the coming months as we recognize and celebrate Leo’s dedication, commitment, and effectiveness and thank him for all he has done.

Save the Date

The Arc of Massachusetts Annual Gala

Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian

Thursday, October 17
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate
210 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125

Celebrate Leo at the 2024 Gala.

Celebrate the vision and enduring legacy of Leo Sarkissian, The Arc of Massachusetts’s Executive Director for 34 years. Leo dedicated his career to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families.

Through his leadership, The Arc had an outsized impact on disability policy and advocacy in Massachusetts and beyond, as evidenced by legislative victories such as Real Lives, Autism Omnibus, National Background Check, Nicky’s Law, and Operation House Call; nearly yearly funding increases for services and supports; and the expansion of services for thousands of residents through lawsuits in the 1990s. His impact will continue to be felt for decades to come. Countless individuals and families across the state benefited from his work directly and through his state and national advocacy and policy work. On November 1, Leo will be retiring from his role as Executive Director.

Join us as we celebrate Leo at The Arc’s Annual Gala on October 17. A program honoring Leo’s dedication to people with IDD and autism will follow the reception.

As a sponsor of Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian, you will improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, while honoring Leo’s legacy. Funds raised will sustain The Arc’s advocacy and programs.

Leo has touched many lives in our community over the course of his career. We welcome you to wish him well and to learn about The Arc’s vision for the future by dropping in at an Open House. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required due to limited capacity. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact Kalea at kamundson@arcmass.org with any questions.