Stephen V. Falanga began his term as the next president of The Arc of Essex County Board of Trustees on July 1, succeeding outgoing president Marnie McNany and kicking off the new fiscal year for the organization.

Steve first learned of The Arc after his son, Matthew, was born with Down syndrome and he and his wife were introduced to Stepping Stones School. They worked with Judy Bellina in the Early Intervention program and Matthew attended Stepping Stones through kindergarten, which prepared him to return to his local school district, where he graduated high school in June. “Those formative years at Stepping Stones were crucial to Matthew’s success today as he is 19 and has been accepted into the Inclusive U program at Syracuse University,” Steve says.

Steve started serving on The Arc Foundation board in 2008-09 “as a way to give back to The Arc for the good things they provided for my family,” and eventually became president of that board. When the Foundation was folded into The Arc, he was invited to join the Board of Trustees, and has enjoyed the opportunity to serve.

In his new role as Board President, Steve, who is a partner at the law firm Walsh Pizza O’Reilly Falanga in Newark, says he is exploring where he can most help make an impact. “I want to ensure the great work of The Arc continues and also do my part to contribute to new initiatives.”

“The people make an organization,” he says, “and without a doubt meeting and working with all the great people at The Arc is what I love most.”

The Arc of Essex County is proud to welcome Steve into his new leadership role.

To learn more about the Board of Trustees, click here.