A Message from CEO Erik Geizer (Continued) Susan Brandt Retirement
Earlier this month, Susan Brandt, Director of Member Services and Special Projects, announced her retirement. Susan has dedicated more than 40 years to fulfilling the mission and sustaining the history of The Arc New York. During that time, she has made tremendous
She played a vital role in coordinating our annual conventions, ensuring their success and meaningful impact year after year. She organized and facilitated celebrations of the organization's milestone anniversaries, including NYSARC's 50th, "Laurel Run Across NYS" and the 60th & 65th "Journey Along the Erie Canal" and "Together to Albany," which culminated at the steps of the NYS Capitol. Susan has an invaluable understanding of The Arc New York's rich history. She has worked tirelessly to ensure the stories that shaped our organization and the system of supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are not forgotten. She took on the immense responsibility of preserving our organization's legacy as the staff liaison to the Historic Archives Workgroup, embodying our commitment to honoring our past as we shape our future. Over the course of her career, she worked under eight presidents and created and facilitated their President's Projects, including "NYSARC Gives Back" and "The Legacy Project," along with many other special projects for the organization. Additionally, Susan was the staff liaison to the Prevention Committee for 30 years, successfully advocated for important legislation like the Booster Seat Law, and developed a prevention program to raise awareness about critical issues such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and childhood lead poisoning. Again, this only begins to capture Susan's impact on the organization and the people and families we support. Susan was not just a tremendous asset to the organization but someone I proudly call my friend. I am sure many of you share the same sentiments. As Susan embarks on her well-deserved retirement, we all at The Arc New York express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for her extraordinary contributions. Please join me in celebrating Susan's career and wishing her happiness and fulfillment in this next chapter of her life.
contributions to our organization and our Chapters. She has left an indelible mark on our organization and community, and her legacy will endure long beyond her departure. Susan's contributions are truly too numerous to capture fully, but I want to share a snapshot of her career and her impact over the past 44 years. Susan began her career with the organization in 1980 as the Director of Children's Services for The Arc Lexington (Fulton, Schoharie). She transitioned to the State Office in 1984 as the Assistant Executive Director for Public Information and today serves as the Director of Membership and Special Projects. Susan's work and impact covered an incredible scope and variety of projects. Still, she always focused on celebrating and sharing the essence of our organization – our history and the families and people we support. She worked closely with our founder, Ann Greenberg, on membership recruitment and has continued to support membership efforts for decades, expanding our connections with our communities and enhancing the power of our collective voice. Susan served as a pivotal link between our organization and various committees, Chapters, and partners as the organization evolved. She led negotiations with The Arc on our rebranding and spearheaded statewide public awareness campaigns, including "Disabilities Don't Discriminate," "Legacy of Love," and "It Matters to Me," which resonated deeply with our mission and values.
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