Your help is vital in ensuring that we continue to fulfill our mission of exceptional care.
The End of an Era
Reflecting on his significant contributions to the field and to ILA, Mr. Palevsky says, “I was given an honor far beyond I ever imagined. I have been privileged to work with people of every job title and every walk of life who were and are committed to caring for people with developmental disabilities.”
Mr. Palevsky credits the ILA team for helping to grow the reach of ILA, expanding ILA from a Brooklyn-only provider into a citywide Agency serving all five boroughs. He is grateful to ILA’s founder, John P. Welch, and to the entire ILA staff for giving him the opportunity “to be a part of the team.”
ILA’s Board of Directors has appointed Frank De Lucia as ILA’s new Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer. Mr. De Lucia has been working with ILA since 1986 – first as an auditor, then as the Agency’s Chief Financial Officer. He was named Deputy Executive Director in May 2003. Ava Morgan has been named ILA’s new Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer after many years serving as the Agency’s Director of Operations. Alex Kan, promoted from Controller, will now serve as ILA’s Chief Financial Officer. All new leadership positions took effect July 1, 2023.
To quote Mr. Palevsky, “ILA’s Board of Directors, whose job it is to appoint executives, got it right.”
Congratulations to Mr. Palevsky on his retirement and to Mr. De Lucia, Ms. Morgan, and Mr. Kan on their well-deserved promotions! Thank you all for your outstanding service and for your continuous commitment to enhance the lives of everyone we serve.
A Celebration to Remember
“Arthur, your legacy will live on forever,” said Linda Schnabel, Area Coordinator, ILA.
Mirroring those sentiments, Marcia McIntosh, Area Coordinator, ILA, said, “You will never be forgotten.”
For Mr. Palevsky, the feeling is mutual. He gave a heartfelt shout-out to the entire ILA team for the amazing work that they do. “My father first taught me what it means to mean something in someone else’s life. It’s that same mindset that brings us all together as a cohesive unit to fulfill ILA’s mission and carry on the legacy of our Founder, John P. Welch,” Mr. Palevsky said. He commended his successor, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Frank De Lucia, and ILA’s newly appointed Deputy Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer Ava Morgan and Chief Financial Officer Alex Kan for bringing a “new energy to ILA.” Mr. Palevsky also thanked his wife of 44 years, Karen, for being his rock and for her support and understanding of his often challenging schedule.
Mrs. Palevsky was in attendance to proudly celebrate her husband’s outstanding career and achievements, and his unwavering commitment to his ILA family. “If anyone needs anything, Arthur is the first person to help,” she said. “He’s so passionate about what he does. And he’s the love of my life.”
We love you too, Mr. Palevsky – continued success in the next exciting chapter of your journey!
ILA Individuals Celebrate and Thrive
ILA Individuals Celebrate and Thrive
What Goes Into Maintaining an ILA Residence?
How ILA Achieved a Perfect Audit
ILA’s 16th Annual Golf & Games Tournament
Staff Watch: Dvorah Martin, Speech Services Coordinator
Affecting Change: Simple Ways We Can All Improve Lives for People with Disabilities
With Support and Encouragement, The Sky’s The Limit For People With Develomental Disabilities
Fun in the Sun
Delicious food and endless camaraderie were among the many highlights of the ILA Management Staff Picnic held on Staten Island. It was a wonderful day to kick back and relax, play games, catch up with colleagues, and make some great summer memories!
Welcome Aboard!
James Brewington: Assistant Residence Supervisor, Faber Street
Anne Egby: Assistant Residence Supervisor, 226th Street
Marlorie Descartes: Assistant Residence Supervisor, New York Avenue
Rochel Bryant: Assistant Residence Supervisor, 109 Clinton & Battery
Ryan Stephenson: Assistant Residence Supervisor, 691 Madison
Woigline Zamy: Residence Supervisor, East 54th & East 102nd Street
Jacqueline Hagans: Behavioral Intervention Specialist, Lamoka Avenue
Chantel Bathersfield: Behavioral Intervention Specialist, 691 Madison, 49 Madison & Tilden Avenue
Pierre Cadeau: Behavioral Intervention Specialist, 226th & 233rd Street
Nandkumar Prasad: Registered Nurse, 226th & 233rd Street
Patricia Menyuah: Registered Nurse, Ocean Avenue, Lucille Avenue & Battery
Nannette Wharton: RN Coordinator, Brooklyn
Patrick Henriques: RN Coordinator, Brooklyn
Christian Rodriguez: Assistant Controller, 110 York Street
Soaring to New Heights
Emil Redzematovic: From Human Resources Support Specialist to Purchasing Specialist
Roylyn Thomas: From HR Benefits Specialist to Director of Human Resources
Looking for a Great Career?
- Medical
- Dental
- Prescription
- Vision
- Disability
- Hospitalization
- Paid vacation, holidays, sick, personal, and bereavement days
- 403 (b) noncontributory annuity plan
- Life insurance coverage
- 401 (k) contributory annuity
- Long-term health care insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
In Memoriam
May you all rest in peace.
Help Us Make a Difference
Your support remains crucial to ensure the delivery of these essential services. Any donation – large or small – is instrumental in ensuring that our programs and services continue to operate successfully, providing further opportunities for our Individuals to thrive.
To make a tax-deductible donation to ILA, please call 718-852-2000 or visit us online at ilaonline.org/support-ila.
We also encourage you to consider opportunities for planned giving, estate planning, or a commemorative donation to honor a loved one. To submit a check to ILA, please forward your payment to Independent Living Association, 110 York Street, 4th floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Attention: Alex Kan, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Kan can also answer any questions you have regarding planned giving and other types of donations.
ILA
Established 1984
John P. Welch
Founder
Board of Directors
Carlton T. Butler, Esq.
Board Chair, President, & Secretary
Lola Simpson, MS
Board Member
Rita Derman
Board Member
Bob McKenna
Board Member
Executive Staff
Frank De Lucia
Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer
Ava Morgan
Deputy Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer
Alex Kan
Chief Financial Officer
Editor & Contributing Writer
Kelly Kass
Contributing Writer
Ivy Ching
Contributing Photographers
Shenee Briggs, Shante Campbell, Martin Castro, Keicha Goulbourne, Nayeka Henry-Hagerman, Omar James, Kelly Kass, Dvorah Martin, Tania Moreta, Nicole Sawyers, Ben Soto
Design
Hive Art Media
Connect With Us!
Lots of great things are happening at ILA! Visit ilaonline.org or follow us on social media for a glimpse of our programs, staff, events, motivational quotes, and much more! Like or share our posts to help us raise awareness about ILA’s Culture of Caring and our life-changing services for Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
VOLUME NINETEEN/ISSUE FOUR
ILA SPECTATOR
110 York Street
4th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
