On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Arc of Aurora, I announce the retirement of our Executive Director, Darla Stuart, effective May 31, 2022. Darla has served as the Executive Director of our organization for 28 years and has been a part of The Arc family for over 33 years, starting at The Arc of Denver (now AdvocacyDenver) as a community services coordinator, then as an individual advocate followed by a systems-change advocate, before joining The Arc of Aurora.

The successes of The Arc of Aurora over the past 28 years could not have happened without Darla’s dedication to the mission of the organization and the people we serve. During Darla’s time at The Arc of Aurora, she has led multiple successful projects that have forever changed the Colorado narrative for people with IDD, including:

• Project Illumination focused on shedding light on the victimization of people with IDD,
• The 2008 Interim Committee on Long-Term Health Care Services and Supports to Persons with Developmental Disabilities where she authored the Family Caregiver language that eventually became legislation,
• The Collaborative to Address Crime Victimization of People with IDD where she was instrumental in passage of the Hearsay Exception for Victims with IDD and Mandatory Reporting, and,
• The establishment of our social enterprise -- THINK+change.

We are truly grateful for everything Darla has done for The Arc of Aurora, and we will miss her expertise and dedication. 

The Board of Directors of The Arc of Aurora is pleased to announce the appointment of Hanni Raley as its new Executive Director effective May 16, 2022. Hanni’s selection is the culmination of a multi-year leadership development and succession process guided by Darla and the Board. Hanni has been with The Arc of Aurora for 11 years, holding the positions of advocate, director of advocacy, and assistant executive director. Prior to joining The Arc family Hanni worked in direct care and residential services management. The Board is confident that Hanni’s experience, passion, skill level, her openness to work collaboratively, and her dedication to our mission will further enhance our advocacy services and lead The Arc of Aurora in its future development. 

Our board is truly excited for Darla as she enters into a new chapter in life; and we will be celebrating her service along with last year’s retirement of Jean Solis, former THINK+change Manager, with a reception in July; so, be on the lookout for your invitation. 

Please join the board in thanking Darla, and congratulating Hanni!

Sincerely,

Wendy Rosanova, Board Chair