Northeast Arc Executive and Leadership Team

Jo Ann Simons, the Chief Executive Officer at Northeast Arc, directs the organization's overarching strategy and vision. This leadership role involves guiding the nonprofit's mission to empower individuals with disabilities and autism, ensuring active community participation north of Boston. Simons oversees the development and execution of programs, including early intervention, employment training, residential supports, and family services. By fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and community partners, Jo Ann Simons drives the organization's impact, supporting approximately 10,000 individuals and their families each year. The Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core values of inclusion and empowerment, positioning Northeast Arc as a vital resource in the region. This executive's focus remains on sustainable growth and expanding the reach of critical support services.

Cynthia Park, the Chief Financial Officer at Northeast Arc, directs all financial planning, management, and reporting activities. This executive oversees the fiscal health of the organization, ensuring robust financial controls and strategic resource allocation to support its mission north of Boston. Park manages budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, providing critical insights to guide operational and strategic decisions. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to managing grants, donor contributions, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations pertinent to nonprofit operations. By maintaining financial stability, Cynthia Park enables Northeast Arc to effectively deliver its wide range of services, including early intervention, employment training, and residential supports. This leadership position is integral to the organization's capacity to positively impact approximately 10,000 individuals and their families each year, fostering long-term sustainability and growth.

Jeanne Russo, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeast Arc, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the organization's diverse service offerings. This critical function ensures the seamless delivery of early intervention, employment training, residential supports, and family services across the north of Boston region. Russo oversees the operational efficiency of programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities and autism, facilitating their integration into the community. By optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes, Jeanne Russo enhances the effectiveness of support for around 10,000 individuals and their families annually. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include maintaining high standards of care and service delivery, directly contributing to the organization's mission of fostering inclusion. This leadership role involves close collaboration with other executives to ensure operational strategies support the overall strategic objectives of Northeast Arc.

Richard Leon, the President at Northeast Arc, provides high-level governance and strategic oversight for the organization's operations north of Boston. This leadership role involves guiding the board of directors and ensuring the organization remains aligned with its core mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and autism. Leon's responsibilities include fostering key relationships with community leaders, government agencies, and major stakeholders to advance the nonprofit's objectives. The President ensures that the organization's strategic direction supports the comprehensive delivery of services, such as early intervention, employment training, and residential supports. By championing the mission, Richard Leon contributes significantly to the positive impact Northeast Arc has on approximately 10,000 individuals and their families each year. This executive's focus is on long-term vision and the sustained growth of the organization's community inclusion efforts.

Gary Penninam, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Northeast Arc, leads all human capital strategies and initiatives. This executive is responsible for cultivating a supportive and high-performing work environment for the staff dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and autism north of Boston. Penninam oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and professional development programs. By ensuring a skilled and motivated workforce, Gary Penninam directly supports the effective delivery of early intervention, employment training, residential supports, and family services. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a pivotal role in fostering the organization's culture of inclusion and dedication, essential for positively impacting around 10,000 people annually. This leadership function ensures that Northeast Arc attracts and retains the talent necessary to advance its mission and operational goals.