Arc Westchester Announces Bronxville Resident Tibisay Guzmán as New Executive Director
By Staff, The Arc Westchester
May 23, 2018: The Arc Westchester, Westchester County’s largest agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities ("I/DD"), including those on the autism spectrum, is proud to announce the appointment of Bronxville resident Tibisay ("Tibi") Guzmán as executive director and CEO, effective June 15.
Guzmán, who currently serves as associate executive director/chief operating officer of the organization, will replace Richard ("Ric") Swierat, who is stepping down after 35 years in the role. Swierat announced Guzmán’s appointment during The Arc Westchester’s 30th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast on Friday, April 27, at The Doubletree Tarrytown.
“It’s important to have good, strong leadership in the organization,” said Swierat at the event. “I’m extremely pleased to pass the torch to Tibi, whose passion for our mission and people we support comes through in every interaction and decision. I firmly believe that she will help take The Arc Westchester to new heights.”
The Arc Westchester began a nationwide search for a new executive director in 2017.
Guzmán has served on the leadership team at The Arc Westchester for the last 13 years, overseeing different aspects of the organization, starting with the Wellness Center for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, followed by programs to enhance life skills and career support services.
Through her leadership, The Arc Westchester has developed strong relationships throughout Westchester County with a number of community partners serving individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities. As COO, she oversees an operating budget of $56 million with services ranging from early intervention/preschool and programs for students transitioning from high school to support for adults residing in The Arc Westchester’s 44 homes.
In her new role, Guzmán will be responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day activities of the organization. She will work closely with the board of directors to develop the strategic direction of the organization, will be responsible to funders, will help expand fundraising through its foundation, and will provide overall leadership and support to the many hardworking employees. She will advocate on behalf of Arc’s individuals and families in the public and private sectors.
“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead an organization that is so close to my heart,” said Guzmán. “Working alongside Ric has been a true joy and I am dedicated to continuing the great work he has inspired for all our families. Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities lead independent and full lives is so important to our families, and I will work tirelessly to further our mission and vision.”
Guzmán came from the health care field as an executive vice president of Riverside Health Care Inc., a multi-health care system in Yonkers. Additionally, she was recently a board member of the New York State APSE chapter and participated in local I/DD, mental health, behavioral services, education, and fundraising boards. Guzmán sat on the community service board for the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health for more than 12 years and is certified as a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives. Her community participation includes serving on the Bronxville Board of Education for six years and the board of Heartsong Inc., an art and music therapy program for children with developmental disabilities, for more than 12 years as treasurer and program chair.
While her professional background is in health care administration, Guzmán has personal experience as a parent of a son with autism. She resides in Bronxville and has a BS from Fordham University, an MPS from The New School for Health Service Administration, and an MA in economics from Fordham University.
About The Arc Westchester
The Arc Westchester, founded in 1949, is the largest agency in Westchester County supporting children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 850 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity, and participation in community life.
The mission of The Arc Westchester is to empower children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities, and interests.
The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.
Pictured here: Tibisay ("Tibi") Guzmán, associate executive director/chief operating officer of The Arc Westchester, with Richard (Ric) P. Swierat, executive director of The Arc Westchester, at the 30th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast on Friday, April 27, 2018, at The Doubletree Tarrytown.
Photo courtesy The Arc Westchester
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Community Service Organizations Directory
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
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914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
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914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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