Elmira, NY – Executive Director Michael A. Doherty, Ph.D. announced, last month, that he will retire on June 30, 2017.  Doherty has led The Arc of Chemung since 1981.

Under Doherty’s leadership, many significant accomplishments occurred, including:

• The Arc of Chemung has grown from a $1 million annual budget in 1981, to an estimated $24 million annual budget for 2017; 
• The Arc of Chemung was one of the first organizations in the State to commit to a person-centered philosophy in the mid-90s;
• Doherty was one of the charter members of The Collaborative of the Finger Lakes in 1996, which now represents 12 Arcs in 15 counties;
• The Arc of Chemung was the fourth agency in the State to receive national accreditation from The Council on Quality and Leadership in 2007; and
• In 2014, The Arc of Chemung was the first not-for-profit agency in the State to be awarded a contract to establish a regional program, START, which covers 17 counties.

In announcing his retirement to The Arc of Chemung’s Board of Directors and staff, Doherty said, “Our core value at The Arc of Chemung is, ‘The People We Support Are First.’  I’m proud of our organization for creating a culture that lives by that value every day.”

The Arc of Chemung's Board of Directors has contracted with a consulting firm, Raffa, to conduct to search and select, as well as onboard, a new executive director and ensure a smooth transition. 

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