Dr. Susan W. Fox Takes The Helm At Westchester Institute For Human Development

From WIHD: The Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) Board of Directors welcomes Susan Fox, Ph.D. as President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Fox brings a wealth of leadership experience in the fields of special education, developmental disabilities, aging and caregiving, and her lifelong work has been dedicated to assuring that individuals with disabilities and their families are able to realize their dreams and live full and meaningful lives in their communities.

“This is a very special, an extraordinary organization,” says Dr. Fox, who assumed the leadership position in June. “During my first three months here, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know the many talented and dedicated professionals who work for WIHD and have committed their life’s work to bettering the lives of persons with disabilities, vulnerable children, and families. I am reminded daily about the wonders that happen here in this amazing organization.”

Having served as Associate Director and Clinical Assistant Professor at the Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, a University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), and as the Director for the Center on Aging and Community Living at the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Fox is exceptionally well-qualified to provide leadership and direction toward achieving WIHD’s mission and strategic goals.

“The healthcare landscape continues to evolve, and it will be a challenge to respond to this rapidly changing environment. I look forward to working to position WIHD as a premier medical home providing coordinated and integrated care to persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities,” Dr. Fox says.

As President and CEO, Dr. Fox will oversee the long-term vision and the implementation of the work of WIHD, including maintaining an ongoing relationship with New York Medical College. Dr. Fox will also serve as Co-UCEDD Director at WIHD and as the Director of the Center on Disability and Health at New York Medical College’s School of Health Sciences and Practice.

Dr. Fox has a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership focusing on Special Education Administration from Lesley University and a second Master’s Degree and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of New Hampshire, with an emphasis on aging and caregiving. In addition to her work with the UCEDD at the University of New Hampshire, Dr. Fox has experience in a broad range of community settings providing supports and services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain disorders, physical disabilities, mental health, and who are aging. She has also served as the state director for developmental disabilities services in New Hampshire.

Dr. Fox succeeds Dr. Ansley Bacon, who retired last year after successfully leading WIHD for the past 30 years. Dr. Bacon was recently appointed Professor Emeritus in the School of Health Science and Practice at New York Medical College.

"I am delighted that the Board completed a successful search and selected Dr. Fox as the next WIHD President and CEO,” says Dr. Ansley Bacon. “Her integrity, values, skills and experiences are an excellent fit with the WIHD community. I'm confident that she will provide the strategic leadership that WIHD needs for the future."

“I have a deep commitment to the values and principles that the UCEDDs were built upon, and I look forward to building on the legacy of Dr. Bacon,” Dr. Fox says.

About Westchester Institute for Human Development

The Westchester Institute for Human Development is one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through education, service, and research. The Institute works to advance policies and practices that ensure the health and self-determination among people of all ages with disabilities, and the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.

In collaboration with its primary academic affiliate, New York Medical College, WIHD provides leadership training programs for professionals and carries out innovative research and demonstration projects designed to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and vulnerable children. WIHD also provides health care to people with disabilities who have multiple and complex health issues, innovative community services, community training, and technical assistance.

WIHD’s efforts are guided by a vision in which people living with disabilities and vulnerable children fully participate in society, live healthy and productive lives, and have access to services and supports, emerging technologies, competent professionals and caring families. www.wihd.org

Photo courtesy of WIHD