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Salvatore M. Passanese elected president of board
Niagara Cerebral Palsy, a non-profit agency providing high-quality care to children and adults with developmental disabilities, has announced that John J. M. Reardon was promoted to executive director and CEO. The agency also announced that Salvatore M. Passanese, Ph.D., has been elected president of the board of directors.
"I am honored to succeed a long-time Executive Director Joe Mineo and I look forward to working with our board and our new president to maintain and enhance the mission of our organization," Reardon said. "Since joining Niagara Cerebral Palsy over a decade ago, I have been truly inspired by the selfless dedication of our staff and their overwhelming commitment to providing world-class care to people with developmental disabilities."
"Our organization has touched the lives of thousands of developmentally disabled youth and adults and their families for ... nearly 60 years and they in turn have touched us in so many ways," Passanese said. "I am excited to have the opportunity to work with John as Niagara Cerebral Palsy begins a new era under his leadership."
Reardon has been with Niagara Cerebral Palsy since 2001 in the role of chief operating officer. Prior to joining Niagara Cerebral Palsy, he served as executive director of Niagara County Speech, Hearing and Language Center for 21 years. In his new role, Reardon will be responsible for managing the 350-employee, 25-site non-profit agency whose services include education, residential services, vocational services, fulfillment and mailing services and service coordination.
Passanese has more than 30 years of experience teaching at Niagara County Community College. He is currently a professor of biology (microbiologist) and chairman of the college's science, health and mathematics division.
Passanese has received numerous distinctions during his tenure, including the Carol Jamison Award (2011), a nomination for the SUNY Distinguished Teaching/Service Professorship (2011), nominations for the Chancellor's Award for Teaching and Excellence (2009 and 1985), a nomination for the National Advisement Award (1994), and recipient of the President's Award for Teaching Excellence (1984). He has served on the board of directors at Niagara Cerebral Palsy since 2000.
Reardon is active with numerous professional and community organizations. He is currently a member and past president of the Niagara County Board of Health and the board of directors at Niagara Hospice Inc.; president of the Sertoma Club; chairman of the Town of Cambria Zoning Board of Appeals; a member of Kiwanis Club of Lewiston; and a member of the Niagara County Legislature's developmental disabilities committee.
About Niagara Cerebral Palsy
Niagara Cerebral Palsy is a 350-employee, 25-site non-profit agency serving children and adults with developmental disabilities. It provides person-centered services that foster independence, inclusion, individuality and productivity to children and adults with various disabilities by establishing goals together to enable each individual to reach their highest potential while utilizing a quality process. For more information, visit www.ucpaofniagara.com.