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April 2025
Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Madison Cortland Perry Courto Set to Retire
Oneida, NY – The Arc Madison Cortland announces the upcoming retirement of Chief Executive Officer Perry Courto, effective January 5, 2026, after more than 25 years of dedicated service. Perry oversees a staff of over 380 employees and leads a team that supports more than 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Madison and Cortland counties.
Transitioning from Oneida Savings Bank, Perry joined The Arc in 1998, holding various positions within the organization before becoming Chief Executive Officer in July 2019. Under Perry’s leadership, The Arc has flourished and made notable strides in fulfilling its mission to support individuals with developmental and other disabilities.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my 27-year career with the Agency and I am going to miss my co-workers, Board members and especially all the individuals we support. I look forward to my retirement and spending more time with my family,” said Perry Courto, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc Madison Cortland.
He successfully navigated The Arc through the challenges posed by the global pandemic, ensuring that critical services continued while prioritizing the health and safety of staff and individuals supported.
Staffing shortages have also presented challenges. One of Perry’s most impactful achievements has been the increase in direct care wages, which rose from $13 an hour in May 2021 to $20 an hour by February 2025, an impressive 54% increase. This increase reflects his commitment to staff and strengthens the quality of care provided to the individuals supported by The Arc.
Other accomplishments include leading a skilled leadership team with a combined 153 years of valuable experience. The Arc Madison Cortland also proudly achieved reaccreditation from The Council on Quality and Leadership in March 2019 and August 2023, certifying high standards of care and support provided, which could not have been possible without Perry’s guidance.
“It has been my privilege and honor to watch Perry guide The Arc Madison Cortland successfully, both financially and operationally, for the past six years. His drive, dedication and heart, together with his experienced staff, fostered exceptional care for the people we support,” said Joseph Zifchock, President of the Board of Directors at The Arc Madison Cortland.
The Arc Madison Cortland will continue to provide support and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Mr. Courto will serve in a new role as Senior Advisor to facilitate a smooth transition during the next year. Plans for the search process to identify a new Chief Executive Officer will be announced soon.
December 2024
$17,341 Grant Boosts Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities in Central New York
The Arc Madison Cortland was awarded a $17,341 grant from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support the agency's recreation programs.
NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts (SNT) and pooled trusts that can make dramatic improvements to the lives of people with disabilities by enabling individuals to maintain financial eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2024, NYSARC Trust Services is proud to fulfill its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding a total of $2,697,508 to The Arc New York Chapters statewide.
The Arc Madison Cortland utilized the $17,341 grant to enhance recreational programs for individuals with disabilities through various engaging activities. Highlights included a festive annual "Holiday Blast" Party, a trip to see Cinderella at Syracuse Stage, and outings to Syracuse Crunch and Syracuse Mets games. The funds also allowed for the purchase of gardening supplies and the hosting of an End-of-Summer Bingo Party. To wrap up the year, the organization held its Annual Holiday Concert at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Oneida, celebrating the talents of the participants. These events fostered community engagement and personal growth within the individuals served.
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About NYSARC Trust Services - NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. Our trust programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to maintain comfort and independence in the community while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.
NYSARC Trust Services provides administration of first- and third-party pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care needs, and protect unexpected windfalls of money.
For more information, please call (518) 439-8323 or visit their website www.nysarctrustservices.org.