New ARC executive director outlines priorities for outreach, family engagement and equity

Siobhan McKinnon, the newly appointed executive director of the Connecticut ARC, introduced herself to the Department of Developmental Services advisory council and described immediate priorities including collaboration with local chapters, revitalizing family programs, expanding youth engagement, and outreach to underrepresented communities.

McKinnon said she comes from a social-work and advocacy background and that her leadership approach emphasizes partnership with families and providers. “I believe that collaboration and partnership is what gets you through,” she told the council, noting she has been connecting with local EDs and board members since starting in the role.

She outlined near-term priorities: aligning state-level ARC work with national priorities, expanding programming that engages young advocates, reviving in-person family gatherings such as Families for Families, and conducting strategic planning to scale programs. McKinnon also discussed outreach to Black and Latino caucuses and said she is focused on dispelling myths about who benefits from ARC programming.

Council members welcomed McKinnon. Adriana Ramirez asked about a recent town hall; McKinnon said the event focused on her background, immediate priorities, and a strategic-planning process she will use to identify next steps. Faye Lenz, a council member and ARC board member, and others praised McKinnon’s leadership and said they were optimistic about closer partnership between the ARC and DDS.

McKinnon said she will continue outreach and requested questions from council members; no formal action was taken.