News/Needs

Long-time Florida Statewide Guardian ad Litem Director Alan Abramowitz has been named chief executive officer of The Arc of Florida, which supports community-based organizations that advocate for and provide direct care services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I am committed to ensuring that every person and family we serve has access to information, advocacy, and opportunities to support full participation in the community,” Abramowitz said. “Inclusion, opportunity and support are the foundation for each person to reach their full potential. I look forward to traveling around the state and listening to and learning from our community partners.”

The Florida Statewide Guardian Ad Litem Office represents more than 35,000 children per year and Abramowitz managed a network of more than 10,000 court appointed volunteers who represent children in child welfare cases. Abramowitz has served in this capacity for more than 10 years under Governors DeSantis, Scott, and Crist. Prior to this, he held leadership positions at the Florida Departments of Children and Families and Juvenile Justice.

“Alan is an excellent choice to be the new CEO of The Arc of Florida,” said Sen. Aaron Bean, president pro tempore of the Florida Senate and chair of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee. “He has the respect of people throughout government, including the Legislature. He also has the leadership skills and experience to lead The Arc in its mission. Most important is that he has the heart for the critical advocacy and service the organization provides for vulnerable Floridians.”

Mark A. Swain, board chair of The Arc of Florida, and long-time advocate for people with disabilities said, “We are very fortunate to have someone with Alan’s experience, skills, leadership qualities, passion and commitment to excellence as our new CEO. He has the full support and confidence of The Arc’s board as well as our many community stakeholders. We look forward to working with him as we face unprecedented challenges and seek new opportunities to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Abramowitz will begin in his new position on June 1.

The Arc of Florida is based in Tallahassee, and for almost 70 years has been Florida’s preeminent grass roots advocacy organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. With its 28 chapters, and many private partners and affiliates, The Arc of Florida advocates to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy full inclusion in their communities and access to supports and services that make community living possible.  In addition to its advocacy work, the organization manages a network of more than 300 dental providers who have made access to dental care possible for thousands of Floridians who would otherwise go unserved.