Celebrate the vision and enduring legacy of Leo Sarkissian, The Arc of Massachusetts’s Executive Director for 33 years. Leo dedicated his career to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism and their families.
Through his leadership, The Arc had an outsized impact on disability policy and advocacy in Massachusetts and beyond, as evidenced by legislative victories such as Real Lives, Autism Omnibus, National Background Check, Nicky’s Law, and Operation House Call; nearly yearly funding increases for services and supports; and the expansion of services for thousands of residents through lawsuits in the 1990s.
His impact will continue to be felt for decades to come. Countless individuals and families across the state benefited from his work directly and through his state and national advocacy and policy work. On November 1, Leo will be retiring from his role as Executive Director.
The Arc of Massachusetts and the disability community will celebrate his impact and legacy at The Arc's Annual Gala on October 17. The reception featuring gourmet hearty hors d’oeuvres will be followed by a commemorative program.
