(NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- The Arc of New Jersey, the state's leading organization advocating for and serving children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, announced that Céline R. Fortin, MSW, LSW and Associate Executive Director, has been elevated to the role of Executive Director. Fortin has been with The Arc of New Jersey for more than 30 years and takes the reins of the organization from previous Executive Director, Tom Baffuto, who retired earlier this year.
As Executive Director, Fortin will be responsible for working directly with government agencies, stakeholders, the Board and Local Chapters to further the mission of The Arc of New Jersey and help advance the work done on behalf of those who the organization supports throughout the state. For more than 75 years, The Arc of New Jersey has been the preeminent champion for IDD inclusion across the state. With a range of programs including Children's, Legal, and Health Care Advocacy, as well as Governmental Affairs, Supported Employment, and Information and Referral Services, The Arc of New Jersey continues to set the standard for care and support along with the 20 individual Local Chapters that provide community-based services to individuals across each of New Jersey's 21 counties.
"I am honored and humbled to serve as the next Executive Director of The Arc of New Jersey," said Céline Fortin, Executive Director of The Arc of New Jersey. "I was privileged to have served alongside Tom Baffuto for more than 25 years and I am inheriting a mantle shaped by excellence. I'm eager to continue to build on his legacy and provide new ideas and a vision for The Arc of New Jersey to fuel our growth and drive our mission forward as we effect change, shape policy and drive inclusion for those with disabilities."
Fortin brings extensive experience to the role of Executive Director, with a career that includes more than 40 years of service to the IDD and mental health communities. Fortin first joined The Arc of New Jersey in 1990 as a research assistant and since then, has held several director-level roles including most recently serving alongside Baffuto as Associate Executive Director. Across each, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to advocacy and being a voice for individuals and families as they navigate and the face challenges that are often overlooked. A licensed social worker in the state of New Jersey (L.S.W.), Fortin earned a Masters of Social Work (M.S.W) with a Minor in Developmental Disabilities from Rutgers University.
"There is no one more qualified than Céline to guide The Arc of New Jersey forward as we leverage our strengths and dial up the impact we're having across the state," said Lauren Zalepka, Board President, The Arc of New Jersey. "Her passion for advocacy is unmatched and the experience she brings to the table, especially with supporting the Board and our Local Chapters, is exactly what's needed as we focus on the future. We also extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Michael Prendergast for his exceptional leadership and filling the role of Interim Executive Director for The Arc of New Jersey during this transition period. We're looking forward to seeing Céline at the helm and are eager to see her visionary leadership take root in the coming months."
For more than 75 years, The Arc of New Jersey's team of educators, advocates and support professionals has been dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The Arc of New Jersey is an affiliated chapter of The Arc, and community-based services are available statewide through its strong network of Local County Chapters. The Arc of New Jersey promotes and protects the human rights of individuals with IDD and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. Through advocacy, empowerment, education and prevention, The Arc of New Jersey is committed to enhancing the quality of life of those individuals and their families.
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