Dear Friends,
With a very heavy heart, I’m announcing that I will be leaving the position of Executive Director of Independent Support Services at the end of this year 2025.
This was obviously a very difficult decision having founded the agency in 2002. The past 23 years have been the pinnacle of my career. However, the last 15 months have been so difficult with the illness and passing of my son Barry. It was very clear that the time had come for Amy and I to accept the next phase of our lives and to pass the leadership mantle to the more than capable management team at ISS.
I have met so many incredible people, especially our parents who I have shared an instant connection with and the knowledge of how much they have sacrificed for their children. To the participants of Self-Direction who work each day to make the best of the situation life has presented to them, I say continue striving to make the best life for yourself.
The Board of Directors with my recommendation have named Laurie Cirillo to become the new CEO/President of ISS. Laurie is currently Associate Executive Director of Administrative Services who has stepped in during my absences to manage the agency. She has been with ISS since 2012 and has extensive experience in the I/DD field including personal experiences. The Board and I have total confidence that Laurie will continue the excellent services that ISS provides and will have a vision for the future.
To ease my transition, the agency has created the position of Chief Innovation Officer and Senior Advisor. I will work in that position part time beginning in January 2026. This position will allow me to stay involved with ISS, provide support to Laurie during the transition and continue to think about how we can make ISS, Self-Direction and the lives of our participants better.
I hope that you all have a happy and healthy holiday season.
With Sincerest regards,
Alan
