On November 1, Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen became the new Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Essex County after being selected by the board of trustees to assume the leadership role following the retirement of longtime CEO Linda Lucas.

“I’m honored to follow in Linda Lucas’s footsteps as the new CEO,” Kathy says. “I’m looking forward to bringing new ideas and a comprehensive vision that carries the legacy of this organization forward and helps extend our reach. I’m committed to serving with passion and will work tirelessly with our staff as we support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and give them opportunities and resources they need to reach their fullest potential.”

Kathy’s journey with The Arc of Essex County began in 1994, when she joined as a social worker at the Stepping Stones School and Early Intervention Program, where she was focused on helping families advocate for their children: sharing resources, offering guidance, and supporting parents as they navigated complex systems of care.

Her commitment only grew over the years. In 1997, she became Director of Family Support, where she started developing and managing the very programs she’d worked in. She worked closely with state agencies such as the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Department of Health, and Department of Education, overseeing the expansion of early intervention, school, and respite programs. Kathy also led the creation of new initiatives, always adapting to the changing needs of families.

Kathy’s leadership roles continued to evolve: she served as Director of Children and Family Services, then Director of Children, Family, and Community Services, where she managed a major shift from grant funding to a fee-for-service model for the Early Intervention program. In 2010, she became Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all programs and services for both children and adults, as well as operational support such as human resources and information technology.

For more than 30 years, Kathy has made a real difference for countless individuals with IDD and their families—helping smooth the way, offering a guiding hand, and fostering a culture of excellence, respect, and generosity. She’s also mentored leaders in other Arc chapters and serves on New Jersey’s State Interagency Coordinating Council.

Before joining The Arc, Kathy earned her bachelor’s in administration/management from Montclair State University and her master’s in social work from New York University.

Board President Stephen Falanga said, “We’re lucky to have Kathy leading us. She’s dedicated and compassionate, and we know she’ll continue the legacy.”