(Sullivan) The ARISE Board of Directors has appointed Tania S. Anderson to be the chief executive officer beginning April 1, 2016. Anderson’s connection with ARISE began in 1999, when Child & Family Service, Inc., merged with ARISE. As a member of the board of Child & Family Service, Anderson agreed to serve on the ARISE Board of Directors.
Over the past 17 years, Anderson has served in a variety of roles with ARISE, and was president of the Board of Directors for seven years. She stepped down from the board when she was appointed chief operating officer in August of 2015, subsequently being selected by the Board of Directors as the incoming CEO.
Anderson is an attorney who is the parent of a child with disabilities. Anderson’s daughter receives services from ARISE and is a participant at ARISE at the Farm. As a parent, Anderson understands how difficult it can be to navigate the complex system of services, and she is excited about the opportunity to ensure that parents have assistance in securing services.
“We are thrilled that Tania Anderson will take the reins following Tom McKeown’s extraordinary leadership,” said Susan Judge, president of the ARISE Board of Directors. “Tania’s tremendous commitment to the organization, and her expertise as an attorney, will serve us well in this time.”
“I am humbled to follow in Tom McKeown’s footsteps, and I’m grateful for the many years we have worked together to take ARISE forward,” Anderson said. “I am delighted to be joining an incredible team of dedicated professionals and volunteers who work to promote independence, access, and inclusion.”
During the past 14 years, Tom McKeown led the organization during a time of growth; the organization, which serves more than 7,000 people in its five-county service area, quadrupled in size during McKeown’s tenure.