Dick Erickson re-elected President at General Membership Meeting

Richard Erickson was re-elected President of TRC’s Board of Directors during our annual General Membership Meeting on June 5.

Also re-elected as Board Officers for the next year were Richard Kimball, Vice President; Dr. Dawn Columbare, Secretary; and Dr. Todd Jacobson, Treasurer. Re-elected to two-year Board terms were Marie Carrubba, Esq.; R. Michael Goldman, Esq.; and Lisa Goodell.

Elected to serve on the Nominating Committee for the 2024 Election were Kathy Field, Laurie Goold, Mary Jo Hamilton, Carole Johnson, and Gregory Krauza.

In his President’s report, Dick chastised New York State because it “has not made adequate investment” in services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He added that increasing the number of Members at TRC and the other chapters of The Arc New York would create a stronger voice when advocating.

“They’ve driven us into a critical staffing crisis and eroded New York State’s system of support for people with I/DD,” Dick said. “We need to increase our Membership. Albany needs to know the voting power of The Arc.”

(Membership in The Resource Center is open to adult family members of people with disabilities who receive supports from the agency, as well as people who believe in TRC’s mission of supporting those with disabilities to enjoy great lives. TRC Members receive a Membership Card entitling them to discounts at more than 30 local businesses. Click here to learn more.)

In his Treasurer’s report, Todd said TRC finished 2022 with a $1.4 million budget surplus. He noted this 1.6 percent surplus was worse than our 2021 year-end result and well below our goal of a 3 percent operating surplus.

In her report, Executive Director Denise Jones highlighted some of the accomplishments in each of our three business lines: services for people with I/DD, clinical supports, and manufacturing and employment.

Echoing Dick’s comments, Denise lamented the State’s “decade of underinvestment” in supports for people with disabilities. “We must make sure people with I/DD have the necessary services to succeed,” she said.

The meeting included a presentation on TRC’s training programs by Michelle Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning & Development and Agency Facilitation, and Jessica Smith, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Administrator.

Board Officers for 2023-24 are, from left, Rich Kimball, Vice President; Todd Jacobson, Treasurer; Dick Erickson, President; and Dawn Columbare, Secretary.