Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen, MSW, LCSW, Named New Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Essex County

LIVINGSTON, NJ (October 31, 2025) – The Arc of Essex County, one of the first-established chapters of the nearly 700 that comprise the national network of The Arc, has appointed Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a distinguished tenure as Chief Operating Officer since 2010, Hinnigan-Cohen now steps into the top leadership role, succeeding longtime CEO Linda Lucas, who recently retired after 47 years of dedicated service. She will now lead one of the largest chapters of The Arc in New Jersey, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families across Essex County.

Established in 1948, The Arc of Essex County supports more than 1,500 individuals with IDD, providing more than 40 unique programs and services for adults and children. As CEO, Hinnigan-Cohen will now lead The Arc of Essex County’s passionate and mission-driven team as they continue to elevate the level of community-based support services to individuals with IDD and their families.
“Linda Lucas’ leadership has been nothing short of transformative for The Arc of Essex County, and I’m honored to follow in her footsteps as its new CEO,” said Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Essex County. “I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas and a comprehensive vision that carries the legacy of this organization forward and helps extend our reach. I’m committed to serving with passion and will work tirelessly with our staff as we support individuals with IDD and give them opportunities and resources they need to reach their fullest potential.”

With more than 30 years of experience at The Arc of Essex County specifically, Hinnigan-Cohen has held several leadership roles, including serving as Chief Operating Officer and the organization’s Director of Respite, Community Services and Support Programs. Driven by a commitment to help provide solutions to families and individuals with IDD, she has been at the forefront of developing policies, initiatives and programs at The Arc of Essex County since she first joined as an agency social worker in 1994. A licensed clinical social worker in the state of New Jersey (L.C.S.W.), Hinnigan-Cohen earned a Masters of Social Work (M.S.W) from New York University.

“As we reflect on the many milestones The Arc of Essex County has achieved, we do so with pride, but also with a clear understanding that our work is far from over,” said Stephen Falanga, Esq., Board President of The Arc of Essex County. “We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a leadership team defined by compassion and excellence, and we are confident that Kathy will carry that legacy forward with the same dedication. We extend our deepest gratitude to Linda for her remarkable 47 years of service and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”

About The Arc of Essex County:
The Arc of Essex County is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities participate in every level of our society and enjoy fuller, more independent lives. Founded in 1948, The Arc of Essex County provides a wide variety of programs and services that support nearly 1,500 people throughout Essex County from birth to their senior years. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.arcessex.org.

# # #