New President Serving On Board For Arc Of Massachusetts

NATICK, MA—From The Arc of Massachusetts: The Arc of Massachusetts holds its annual meeting on May 10, when Deborah Norton of Brookline succeeds Tracy Atkinson as President of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Executive Committee members to be elected include: Scott Borchardt (PwC) as Vice President; Kristin Hilf (Raytheon) as Secretary; John Mallin (EY) as Treasurer; and Tracy Atkinson (State Street) as Past President.

As a young couple in the mid 1990s, Deb Norton and her husband adopted two children from Korea...a boy and a girl. The little boy over time had trouble learning and was diagnosed with a developmental disability. Deb and her husband, John Moynihan took a journey to make sure their son received the education and support to achieve. Today, he is working as a 25-year old. She eventually joined the board of The Arc of Massachusetts in 2011 to help others on their journey.

Deb Norton is the chief information officer for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. She recognizes the challenges families face as teens leave school at age 22 without the assistance they need for adult life. Through the advocacy of The Arc, two years ago, Gov. Charlie Baker and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Marylou Sudders allocated a three-fold increase for the Turning 22 population to help with employment and community living.

Commissioner Jane Ryder of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) addresses the gathering on May 10, and some individuals across the state will receive awards for their leadership work. The event will be at the Crowne Plaza/Verve beginning at 5:30 p.m. with the formal program at 6:45 p.m.

The Arc advocates on behalf of the 200,000 people with disabilities in this state as part of a national movement and it has 17 regional affiliates in the Commonwealth. Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, and their families. We fulfill this through advocacy for community supports and services that foster social inclusion, self-determination, and equity across all aspects of society.

Photo via Shutterstock