Northeast Arc Executive and Leadership Team

Jo Ann Simons, the President & 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 comprehensive delivery of services, including early intervention, employment training, residential supports, and family services. By fostering a mission-driven approach, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that Northeast Arc positively impacts around 10,000 people annually. This executive's focus extends to strengthening community ties and promoting inclusion for all served individuals and their families. The strategic direction set by Jo Ann Simons is critical for expanding the organization's reach and effectiveness in the Massachusetts region.

Cynthia Park, the Chief Financial Officer at Northeast Arc, manages all financial operations and fiscal strategy. This executive ensures the financial health and sustainability of the nonprofit, enabling the continued delivery of vital services to individuals with disabilities and autism. Park oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, directly supporting the organization's mission north of Boston. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities include maintaining compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements, safeguarding the organization's assets. By optimizing financial performance, Park enables Northeast Arc to effectively serve approximately 10,000 individuals and their families annually. This leadership position is crucial for the long-term viability and growth of the organization's programs.

Jeanne Russo, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeast Arc, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the organization's programs and services. This role is central to ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of support for individuals with disabilities and autism across the north of Boston region. Russo oversees the implementation of strategies that foster community participation and inclusion, managing the various service departments. The Chief Operating Officer ensures that residential supports, employment training, early intervention, and family services operate seamlessly. By optimizing operational workflows, Jeanne Russo contributes directly to the positive impact Northeast Arc has on approximately 10,000 individuals and their families each year. This executive's leadership ensures the robust functioning of all service delivery channels.

Richard Leon, the President at Northeast Arc, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the organization's initiatives. This role focuses on advancing the mission to empower individuals with disabilities and autism, promoting their active participation in communities north of Boston. Leon collaborates with other senior leaders to ensure the effective delivery of comprehensive services, including employment training, residential supports, and family services. The President's oversight contributes to fostering a strong sense of community and inclusion for all individuals and their families. Richard Leon's leadership is instrumental in driving the organization's impact, which positively affects approximately 10,000 people annually. This executive's focus is on sustained growth and enhanced service provision.

Gary Penninam, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Northeast Arc, leads all aspects of human capital management and organizational culture. This executive is responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining the talent necessary to support Northeast Arc's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and autism north of Boston. Penninam oversees recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and professional development programs. The Chief Human Resources Officer ensures a supportive and inclusive work environment, aligning HR strategies with the organization's goals of community participation and family support. By fostering a strong workforce, Gary Penninam plays a vital role in the organization's ability to positively impact around 10,000 people annually. This leadership function is essential for maintaining the high quality of care and services provided.