Stephen Freeman Named CEO of YAI Network Upon Conclusion of Dr. Philip Levy's Contract

NEW YORK, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Philip H. Levy, a longtime leader in the field of developmental and learning disabilities, announced his retirement as Chief Executive Officer and President of the YAI Network upon the conclusion of his contract on June 30, 2011. Stephen E. Freeman, L.C.S.W., Chief Operating Officer of the YAI Network, has assumed the position of CEO.

Dr. Levy had been with the organization for 40 years. He was promoted to President of YAI in 1999, before being named CEO and President on July 1, 2009.

"Phil's contributions to the field are reflected in some of the prestigious awards which our organization has received during his tenure, including the America Psychological Association's Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award," said Eliot P. Green, Esq., Chair of YAI's Board of Trustees.

"As we begin our leadership transition, we are extremely fortunate to have Stephen assume the helm of the organization," Green added. "During his 35 years at YAI, Stephen has consistently demonstrated his extraordinary leadership and management abilities as well as his deep commitment to the mission and values of our organization."

"I've been privileged to work with a talented management team, who, together, created one of the best organizations of its kind in the country," Dr. Levy said. "This seemed to be the right time for a transition in leadership, while allowing me to move on to a new stage of my career."

Freeman joined YAI in May of 1977 as a residential supervisor. He was instrumental in the development of the agency's residential and day programs, which were among the earliest in New York State, as well as in establishing YAI's nationally recognized medical programs for people with disabilities. Over the years Freeman received a series of promotions, including Director of Residential Services and Director of Resource Management, heading the human resources, education and training and program development departments, before being named Associate Executive Director in 1997 and Chief Operating Officer in 2009.

Freeman had overseen YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities' Day Services and Clinical and Family Services departments, as well as Premier HealthCare, the New York League for Early Learning, and the International Institute for People with Disabilities of Puerto Rico, all members of the YAI Network.

"I appreciate the board's confidence in me and look forward to continuing to make our organization stronger and to helping to make this world a better place for individuals with disabilities," Freeman said. "I'm fortunate that we have a talented management team with many years of dedicated service, and so many dedicated staff members enhancing the lives of people with disabilities every day. The people at YAI have built a strong foundation for our organization that will serve us well into the future. I am excited about working with our board, our staff, our corporate and government partners, families, the individuals with disabilities we serve, and supporters in carrying out the YAI tradition of leading, innovating and inspiring."

A graduate of Queens College of CUNY, Freeman earned his Master's of Social Work from Hunter College. In recognition of his accomplishments, Freeman was inducted into the Hunter College Hall of Fame in 2008.

SOURCE YAI Network