We are pleased that our good friend and former MHANYS public policy director, Michael Seereiter has been named President of the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. He is following in the footsteps of current President and CEO, Ann Hardiman who has been a highly respected leader in the field for many years. As we continue to work closely across the disabilities field in the fight for an investment for non-profits, it is important to have like-minded organizations like the Alliance working with us.
Contact: Jennifer Ivery | 518.795.3537 | Jennifer@NYAlliance.org
Statewide Provider Association Announces New CEO
Michael Seereiter to take the Helm
Albany, NY (October 1, 2019) – The New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (NY Alliance) Board of Directors unanimously selected Executive Vice President, Michael Seereiter to succeed current President & CEO, Ann Hardiman effective October 1, 2019.
As President & CEO, Seereiter will lead one of the state’s largest provider associations created by a merger of the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA), the New York State Rehabilitation Association (NYSRA), and the Rehabilitation Research & Training Institute (RRTI). These organizations having 40 years of experience and expertise in the field of disability and healthcare service advocacy respectively, joined forces to create a strengthened voice and advance opportunities for the individuals and organizations they serve and represent. The merger was formalized in June 2018.
Hardiman will transition to Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) after serving from 2018 to 2019 as President & CEO of the newly formed NY Alliance, prior to serving from 1995 to 2018 as the Executive Director of the New York State Association of Community and Residential Agencies (NYSACRA).
“It’s been an honor to lead the Association championing life-enrichment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and the agencies that support them”, stated Hardiman. “Now, is the right time for a leadership change and Michael Seereiter is the right person to guide the NY Alliance through the coming era.”
Seereiter is well-positioned to lead the organization through new and challenging times. His perspective and insight are informed by nearly 20 years of experience in the field of disability advocacy and public policy, having worked in government, and as an advocate, and as a direct care worker before serving as the President & CEO of NYSRA from 2013 to 2018.
Wholly embracing the mission, vision and core values of the NY Alliance, Seereiter will advance the strategic priorities of the association while keeping the “Soul of the Work” – independence, inclusion, employment, and life-enrichment opportunities provided by voluntary not-for-profit agencies for individuals with disabilities – at the forefront.
“Michael brings years of proven success in advocacy and in navigating multiple systems”, said Mark Donahue, President and CEO of CWI and Chair of the NY Alliance Board of Directors. “We welcome his energy, leadership and passion for our mission and the work we do on behalf of our provider agency members providing support services for individuals with disabilities.”
About the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (NY Alliance)
The NY Alliance is a statewide provider association collectively representing more than 200 provider agencies, businesses, families and individuals from across the state of New York. The NY Alliance serves as a catalyst for positive change and leading resource; envisioning a society where individuals with disabilities are contributing citizens with equal rights and the ability to live full, productive, and meaningful lives.
