BCW Member The Arc Westchester Announces New Executive Director

The Arc Westchester, the county’s largest agency supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and a member of the Business Council of Westchester, is proud to announce the appointment of Tibisay (Tibi) Guzmán to executive director and CEO, effective June 15.

Guzmán, who currently serves as associate executive director/chief operating officer of the organization, will replace Richard (Ric) Swierat, who is stepping down after 35 years in the role.

“I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to lead an organization that is so close to my heart,” said Guzmán. “Working alongside Ric has been a true joy and I am dedicated to continuing the great work he has inspired for all our families. Supporting individuals with developmental disabilities lead independent and full lives is so important to our families, and I will work tirelessly to further our mission and vision.”

Guzmán has served on the leadership team at The Arc Westchester for the last 13 years. As COO, she oversees an operating budget of $56 million with services ranging from Early Intervention for preschoolers to supports for adults residing in The Arc Westchester’s 44 homes.

Guzmán came from the healthcare field as an Executive Vice President of Riverside Health Care Inc., a multi-healthcare system in Yonkers. Additionally, she was recently a board member of the New York State APSE chapter. Guzmán also sat on the Community Service Board for the Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health for more than 12 years, and is certified as a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives. Her community participations include serving on the Board of Education for Bronxville Schools for six years and the board of Heartsong Inc., an art and music therapy program for children with developmental disabilities, for more than 12 years as Treasurer and Program Chair.

While her professional background is in Health Care Administration, Guzmán has personal experience as a parent of a son with Autism. She resides in Bronxville and has a B.S. from Fordham University, M.P.S. from The New School for Health Service Administration and a M.A. in Economics from Fordham University.

Photo: Tibisay (Tibi) Guzmán, associate executive director/chief operating officer of The Arc Westchester, with Richard (Ric) P. Swierat, executive director of The Arc Westchester, at the 30^th Annual Employer Recognition Breakfast on Friday, April 27 at The Doubletree Tarrytown.