The Arc New London County's Chief Executive Officer Wins National Award

Local social service leader recognized by peers for outstanding achievement

The National Conference of Executives of The Arc has announced Kathleen Stauffer, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc New London County has been awarded its prestigious Rising Star Award. The national award recognizes an Executive Director, President or Chief Executive Officer of The Arc in his or her first five years in the role who has made outstanding contributions to furthering the philosophy of full inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Additional criteria include demonstrated support for the Core Values of The Arc: People First, Community Participation, Democracy, Visionary Leadership, Diversity, and Integrity and Excellence.

In a show of statewide solidarity and support, The Arc Connecticut as well as the Connecticut Conference of Executives of The Arc and eight additional Executive Directors of Connecticut chapters of The Arc collectively made the nomination to the National Conference of Executives of The Arc.

"When Kathleen joined The Arc New London County, members of the Board of Directors were impressed by the speed and breadth of her mastery of the topics and issues associated with our industry, and her eagerness to support Arc's core values comprehensively," said John Fournier, President of The Arc New London County Board of Directors. "She quickly applied tools and techniques that she learned in other industries to problems facing local, state, and national Arc organizations.  It is fitting for her to receive national recognition for her caring, ideas, skill, and persistence in improving the quality of services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

Stauffer's achievements include: the expansion of supports and services while growing empowerment philosophies regionally; strong and effective advocacy; and improved efficiencies and increased revenues for The Arc New London County. A strong leader with a motivational coaching style and a reputation for building and retaining a highly motivated team, Stauffer is a results-orientated achiever with a track record for identifying opportunities for accelerated growth. Through 2010, Kathleen served as an invited member of The Arc United States branding advisory group. Self-advocates from The Arc New London County participated in and helped evaluate branding strategies along with self-advocates nationwide as The Arc reestablished its brand and increased visibility and awareness for its mission. Named the United Way Speaker of The Year in 2010 by the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut, Kathleen also has served on the Connecticut Legislature's Task Force on Law Enforcement and People with Special Needs.

When the newly elected Governor Dannel P. Malloy requested input from The Arc Connecticut, Stauffer recognized the opportunity and was instrumental in gathering fellow Connecticut Conference Executives and The Arc Connecticut Board to collaboratively write "A Platform for Reform: A Better Plan for Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Connecticut." This far-reaching, person-centered plan holds the potential for positioning Connecticut at the forefront of services nationally.

Stauffer also led The Arc New London County / Seacorp, Inc. merger, which expanded quality supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southeastern Connecticut while preserving jobs in the community.

"Kathleen has advanced the message and the mission of The Arc in countless ways," said Sue Desrosiers, chair of The Connecticut Conference of The Arc and Executive Director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley, "from her ongoing advocacy and message of empowerment to her community outreach around education and awareness. She also established a team environment at The Arc, empowering employees so they can live the same empowering vision they support in The Arc's day to day services. Her two years as the Chief Executive Offer of The Arc New London County has been driven by a clear vision of empowerment, inclusion, advocacy and support. She is a true example of a rising star within The Arc."