WALTHAM (August 12, 2024) – The Arc of Massachusetts is pleased to announce the appointment of Maura Sullivan, MPA, as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Executive Director Leo Sarkissian, who is retiring after 33 years of dedicated service. Sullivan will be the first parent of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead The Arc since its first Director Pearl Hurwitz in 1954. She starts in the position on November 2.
Sullivan has a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. For more than a decade, she has been a driving force at The Arc of Massachusetts, leading Government Affairs activities and serving as Director of Operation House Call, a nationally recognized training program for medical students and other healthcare professionals. Sullivan grew the program to partner with all Massachusetts medical schools and equipped thousands of students with skills and mindsets to enhance healthcare for people with disabilities.
Janet Sweeney Rico, Ph.D., President of the Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Maura, which reflects our immense confidence in her leadership, vision for The Arc, and proven track record. We could not be more excited about the future of The Arc under her guidance and look forward to the continued growth and success of our organization.”
Throughout her career, Sullivan has championed critical legislation benefiting the IDD and autism community. Her efforts include the successful passage of Nicky’s Law, Police Training in Autism, and Operation House Call. At the State House, she has focused on securing increased funding for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) budget, the workforce, and MassHealth.
“Maura has been a strong and collaborative partner with me and my colleagues in the legislature and state government,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “She always has her pulse on the issues and demonstrates a thoughtful and compassionate approach to serving this vital population.”
In addition to her legislative achievements, Sullivan is an active participant in numerous state and national advisory boards and commissions dedicated to transition age youth with IDD and autism. She collaborates with esteemed institutions such as Drexel University, the Institute for Exceptional Care, and Harvard Medical School. Her expertise is further recognized by her contributions to the Massachusetts Governor’s Autism Commission for Healthcare and the Massachusetts Initiative to Improve Healthcare Transitions.
A former LEND Fellow, Sullivan earned a master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University. She is a devoted mother of three, including two transition-age sons who have autism.
“Maura’s dedication and proven track record in advocacy, as well as her personal experience uniquely position her as the perfect choice to lead The Arc of Massachusetts,” said Sarkissian. “I have no doubt that The Arc will thrive with her as CEO and see continued success in improving the lives of individuals with IDD and autism.”
Sullivan expressed her thoughts about the new role noting, “I am honored and humbled to lead The Arc of Massachusetts. Having children with disabilities, I understand the challenges families face firsthand. As CEO, I will work to build stronger partnerships to overcome the workforce crisis, eliminate archaic policies, and make advocacy a natural part of all our lives. There are incredible opportunities ahead for innovation and growth and The Arc is prepared to respond.”
The Arc of Massachusetts looks forward to this new chapter under Maura Sullivan’s leadership and remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with IDD and autism and their families.
A high resolution headshot can be downloaded here. For more information, visit thearcofmass.org/maura.
About The Arc of Massachusetts
The Arc of Massachusetts (The Arc) is a statewide advocacy organization representing 200,000 individuals with 17 chapters in the state. Its mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families. It fulfills this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society. To learn more, visit thearcofmass.org.
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