The Arc of Essex County welcomed Robert D. Laurino, Esq. as the next President of its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, as Stephen V. Falanga, Esq. concluded his four-year tenure leading the organization. Laurino, who previously served as President from 2006 to 2010 and had been the most recent First Vice President, was handed the gavel at the end of the board’s Annual Meeting in June.

Falanga’s connection to The Arc began through his son, Matthew, who attended Stepping Stones School. Motivated by a desire to give back to the organization that played an important role in his family’s life, he first became involved with The Arc Foundation before joining the Board of Trustees. In 2022, he succeeded Marnie McNany as Board President and helped guide the organization through a period of growth, continued innovation, and a change in leadership to CEO Kathleen Hinnigan-Cohen after the retirement of longtime CEO Linda C. Lucas.

Laurino, whose brother Henry has been part of The Arc of Essex County’s SYA Day Program since 2013, brings decades of public service, legal expertise, and advocacy experience to the role. A former Acting Essex County Prosecutor, he has long been recognized for his commitment to justice and protecting vulnerable individuals. His work on the landmark Glen Ridge sexual assault case helped spark a national conversation about the rights and dignity of people with intellectual disabilities, and he later led New Jersey’s clergy abuse task force for the Office of the Attorney General. He was honored by The Arc of Essex County in 2018 for his dedication to advocacy and public service.

The Arc of Essex County thanks Stephen Falanga for his years of dedicated leadership and welcomes Robert Laurino as Board President. Together with the Board of Trustees and leadership team, The Arc remains committed to empowering children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.