Global Gaming Leader, Bryan Neider, Announced as Gatepath’s New CEO

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Gatepath, a Bay Area nonprofit serving children, youth and adults with special needs and disabilities for 95 years, has announced the selection of Bryan Neider as its new Chief Executive Officer. Neider, who currently serves as Senior Vice President of global operations at Electronic Arts (EA), will succeed Sheryl Young, the Agency's outgoing CEO, on November 1, 2015.  

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"Gatepath is in strong hands with the leadership of Bryan Neider," said Gatepath Board Chairman David Wisnom III. "With his passion for people with special needs and expertise in staff management, business operations and resource development, I am confident we are passing the baton to the right person. As we approach our 100^th anniversary, Bryan will continue to build a sustainable future for our families, and be a strong advocate for those who need our help." 

"I have had the privilege of being involved with Gatepath for many years, and my knowledge of the operations and programs of the agency gives me important insights and knowledge as I transition into this leadership role," said Neider. "I look forward to building on our strong work in the community and expanding our efforts in helping those with special needs and disabilities through the many programs we provide."

Given the funding crisis that the developmental disabilities system currently faces in California, legislative affairs will be a key priority for Neider early in his tenure. In addition, Neider will continue the work he started at EA and partner to create employment opportunities for adults with special needs and disabilities. EA has been a leader in hiring Gatepath participants and offering them work opportunities for over 15 years.   

"Bryan is a proven leader," said outgoing CEO Sheryl Young. "I've worked with him in his role as the Board Treasurer for two terms over the course of 15 years. He is future-focused and not afraid to explore innovative and new ideas. He has an excellent sense of the vision and direction of the Agency, and will focus on priorities that achieve long term viability, financial stability, and program development as the Agency approaches its centennial anniversary."

Young will be retiring after serving for more than 25 years as the CEO for Gatepath, guiding the Agency through multiple stages of growth and change. During this time she grew the annual budget from $1 million to $12.4 million, allowing the agency to increase the amount of people in the community they serve from 370 participants to more than 13,000. She also led the development of Learning Links Preschool, San Mateo County's first inclusive preschool that serves both children with special needs and their typically developing peers. 

"Sheryl Young has been a remarkable leader of Gatepath. Filling her shoes will be a monumental task, but I am confident that Bryan Neider will be up to it," said Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D- San Francisco/San Mateo), a long-time supporter of Gatepath. "He is a proven leader and philanthropist. Having served on the Gatepath board for many years, Bryan is intimately familiar with its mission and philosophy, and will continue the work to 'Turn Disabilities Into Possibilities.'"

Young will remain involved with Gatepath on a short-term basis to assist with on-boarding of the new CEO. 

ABOUT COMMUNITY GATEPATH
For more than 95 years, Community Gatepath has been "Turning Disabilities Into Possibilities." As one of the premier nonprofits in Silicon Valley, we provide inclusive programs for people with special needs at all stages and ages. These programs enable Gatepath to create opportunities of greater independence for children, youth, and adults with special needs and disabilities, empowering both individuals and families through diverse, individualized education and support services. Our dedicated staff encourage physical, developmental, and social well-being at all levels, including early intervention and therapy for children, inclusive preschools, support services for families, social communication programs for youth, vocational training for adults, and employment placement. Gatepath serves families globally through its online resource center at AbilityPath.org.

BRYAN NEIDER BIO
Bryan Neider, CEO, joined Community Gatepath after serving on the Board of Directors for nearly 15 years. As a Board Member, Bryan served as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair and became a strong advocate for Gatepath's Employment Services.

Prior to joining Community Gatepath, Bryan was a Senior Vice President within Electronic Arts' (EA) Global Publishing and Marketing organization. Bryan spent over 25 years with EA and oversaw initiatives aimed at improving operating efficiency, product quality, business innovation and overall business performance. During his tenure at EA he served in a number of different roles, including managing EA's global business development efforts, managing EA Partners, corporate finance, CFO and COO for EA.com, CFO of Worldwide Studios, COO for EA's global development organization and most recently as head of EA's Global Operations team.

Bryan earned his BA Degree in History from Santa Clara University and his MBA from CSU, East Bay. Bryan is also a Certified Public Accountant and the Founder of Climb4aCure, a nonprofit supporting diabetes education and outreach. Bryan is an active volunteer at both of his alma maters, serves on the boards of three technology start-ups and he is an advisor to a venture capital fund in the Silicon Valley. 

Bryan lives in Menlo Park with his wife and they have four children. Bryan enjoys mountain climbing and backpacking and is looking forward to giving back to the community.

CONTACT: Julia Ballantyne, 916.390.4671 cell, [email protected]             

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SOURCE Gatepath