Northeast Arc Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Northeast Arc has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, human resources, and governance.

Driven by a mission to empower individuals with disabilities and autism, Northeast Arc actively fosters community participation through comprehensive services. The organization's leadership philosophy centers on inclusion and support for both individuals and their families, impacting approximately 10,000 lives annually.

Leadership Roles at Northeast Arc

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jo Ann Simons
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cynthia Park
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jeanne Russo
  • President - Richard Leon
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Gary Penninam
  • Jo Ann Simons - Chief Executive Officer

    Jo Ann Simons, the Chief Executive Officer at Northeast Arc, directs the organization's overarching strategy and vision. Overseeing all major initiatives, Simons ensures Northeast Arc effectively empowers individuals with disabilities and autism north of Boston. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's mission to foster community participation through early intervention, employment training, residential supports, and family services. By focusing on inclusion and support for both individuals and their families, Jo Ann Simons drives the positive impact on approximately 10,000 people annually. The Chief Executive Officer's strategic direction ensures sustained growth and operational excellence across all service areas, aligning with the core values of empowerment and community integration.

    Cynthia Park - Chief Financial Officer

    Cynthia Park, the Chief Financial Officer at Northeast Arc, oversees all financial planning, management, and reporting. This includes managing budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and securing funding to support the organization's mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and autism. Park's financial acumen is crucial for sustaining and expanding the wide range of services offered, from early intervention to residential supports. By maintaining strong financial health, Cynthia Park enables Northeast Arc to continue its vital work north of Boston, positively impacting around 10,000 people annually. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial oversight guarantees the long-term viability and growth of the organization, supporting its commitment to community inclusion and family services.

    Jeanne Russo - Chief Operating Officer

    Jeanne Russo, the Chief Operating Officer at Northeast Arc, manages the day-to-day operational execution of all service delivery programs. Overseeing the implementation of early intervention, employment training, residential supports, and family services, Russo ensures efficient and effective support for individuals with disabilities and autism. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation and operational workflows to maximize the organization's reach and impact north of Boston. Jeanne Russo's leadership ensures that the organization's mission of fostering community participation is met with high-quality, consistent service delivery. By driving operational efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer directly contributes to the positive outcomes for the approximately 10,000 individuals and families served annually, maintaining rigorous standards across all functional areas.

    Richard Leon - President

    Richard Leon, the President at Northeast Arc, provides strategic leadership and governance oversight for the organization. This role involves guiding the board of directors and ensuring alignment with the core mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and autism and fostering their community participation. Leon's leadership ensures that Northeast Arc's comprehensive services, including early intervention and family services, remain focused on impactful outcomes north of Boston. By championing the organization's vision, Richard Leon plays a pivotal part in its ability to positively affect around 10,000 people annually. The President's commitment to strategic direction and governance excellence reinforces Northeast Arc's dedication to inclusion and support for individuals and their families.

    Gary Penninam - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Gary Penninam, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Northeast Arc, leads all human capital strategies and initiatives. This involves talent acquisition, employee development, and fostering a supportive organizational culture that aligns with the mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and autism. Penninam's focus on human resources ensures that Northeast Arc attracts and retains the skilled professionals necessary to deliver exceptional services, including employment training and residential supports. By cultivating a robust workforce, Gary Penninam directly contributes to the organization's capacity to serve the community north of Boston. The Chief Human Resources Officer's dedication to employee well-being and professional growth is fundamental to the sustained success and positive impact on the approximately 10,000 individuals and families supported each year.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Northeast Arc Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Northeast Arc?
    Northeast Arc is led by Jo Ann Simons (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cynthia Park (Chief Financial Officer) and Jeanne Russo (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Northeast Arc’s executive team?
    The executive team of Northeast Arc includes leaders such as Jo Ann Simons (Chief Executive Officer), Cynthia Park (Chief Financial Officer), Jeanne Russo (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Northeast Arc have?
    Northeast Arc has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Northeast Arc’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Northeast Arc includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Chief Human Resources Officer.