Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian: The Gala Livestream

On October 17, 2024, Waltham-based disability advocacy organization The Arc of Massachusetts celebrated the legacy of Leo Sarkissian, the nonprofit’s Executive Director who is retiring after 33 years of leadership on November 1.

Through the Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian Gala, The Arc raised over $415,000 to support its mission of advocating on behalf of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. Over 400 supporters were in attendance.

“Earlier this year, The Arc of Massachusetts celebrated its 70th anniversary, and looking back, we can be proud of how much has changed. For the past three decades, Leo has led the charge for equity and opportunity. Leo has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to advocating for individuals with IDD, their families, and their caregivers. His work has never just been about policy or legislation. It is about people – and about ensuring that every person with a disability has the chance to live with dignity and opportunity,” said Janet Sweeney Rico, Ph.D., President of The Arc of Massachusetts.

“It would be difficult to name someone who has had a greater impact, or is better known for their leadership and commitment to people with IDD than Leo Sarkissian. From the State House, to The Arc’s 17 chapters, to other human service agencies in the Commonwealth, to the offices of policymakers, Leo is respected for his achievements, for his knowledge, and for his lifelong dedication,” said event chair Jim Brett, President and CEO of The New England Council and Chairman of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

The event featured the premiere of The Arc’s Leo Sarkissian tribute film, which featured remarks from dozens of individuals on Leo’s far-reaching and lasting legacy, including comments from former governors Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker and former Speaker of the Massachusetts House Robert DeLeo. Jackie Bruno, three-time Emmy award-winning newscaster and Founder and CEO of Newsmaker Marketing, served as the event’s emcee.

Top sponsors of Celebrating the Legacy of Leo Sarkissian include Tracy and John Atkinson, Vibeke and Gustav Christensen, Scott and Julie Borchardt, Kathryn and Michael Mullane, Janet and Art Rico, the Nadworny Family, Advocates Inc., Beaverbrook STEP, Center of Hope, Cooperative for Human Services, Eastern Bank, EY, the Haddad Family, Interiology, Raytheon, Road to Responsibility, and Rockland Trust.