FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Arc of Anchorage Selects Barbara Rodriguez-Rath to Lead Organization as CEO ANCHORAGE, AK, February 18, 2016 – The Arc of Anchorage (The Arc) board of directors announces the appointment of Barbara Rodriguez-Rath to serve as Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Anchorage. With several decades of experience in social services and most recently, her previous service as The Arc’s chief operating officer, Mrs. Rodriguez-Rath begins her role today as CEO for the organization that serves Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“My internal compass always points to this organization and its mission,” Mrs. Rodriguez-Rath stated in her introduction to staff as the new CEO.
“We are thrilled that she accepted this position and know her knowledge of Alaska and her dedication to the people we serve will be a tremendous benefit to the organization,” board president Patrick Rumley stated. “We know she can take The Arc to the next level and a bright future is ahead. She will work with the interim CEO, Gwen Zavodnick, in the upcoming weeks of transition. Barb will provide excellent leadership for our staff and programs.”
Mrs. Rodriguez-Rath has worked in the field of health and human services for over 20 years and is a graduate of the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a bachelor’s degree in social work and holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alaska Anchorage. In 1995 she began her career in Fairbanks working with youth in residential facilities designed to provide support for individuals experiencing severe emotional disturbances. Throughout her career at human service organizations in Alaska, including The Arc of Anchorage, Mrs. Rodriguez-Rath has dedicated herself to the field of human services based on her genuine desire to see people reach their full potential as well as to teach and lead others who share that same passion.
Founded in 1957, The Arc of Anchorage serves Alaskans who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc offers a full array of services designed to help these Alaskans achieve lives of fulfillment and independence as valued members of our community. For information please call 907-277-6677 or visit www.thearcofanchorage.org.
Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.
For more information contact:
Clara Sanderson, Senior Public Relations Officer
Phone: 907-777-0103 | E-mail: csanderson@thearcofanchorage.org