HERKIMER, N.Y. — At the end of this year, Arc Herkimer will have its first female president and CEO in more than 40 years when Kevin Crosley retires from the role on Dec. 31 and Lorene Bass takes over. Crosley has served as president and CEO of the nonprofit for 20 years. Bass currently serves […]
HERKIMER, N.Y. — At the end of this year, Arc Herkimer will have its first female president and CEO in more than 40 years when Kevin Crosley retires from the role on Dec. 31 and Lorene Bass takes over.
Crosley has served as president and CEO of the nonprofit for 20 years. Bass currently serves as executive VP of supports and services and has been with Arc Herkimer for 26 years.
“My 20 years in the Mohawk Valley has been the most rewarding of my career,” Crosley said at a May 13 event to announce his retirement and Bass’s appointment. “I came to Herkimer County not knowing a soul. I leave here with many friends, colleagues, and business associates.”
Under Crosley’s leadership, the agency saw transformational growth, advancing social enterprises, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing vocational and recreational opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
He spearheaded several projects including the development of the inclusive Arc Park in Herkimer and transforming both the Arc Business Park in Herkimer and the Arc Herkimer Mall in Ilion into tenant spaces for other businesses. Arc Herkimer also partnered with Goodwill in 2008 to create the Arc Herkimer Goods Store and acquired the MV Golf & Event Center in 2020.
“I feel that my 41 years in the industry have served me well both on a professional and personal level,” Crosley said, adding that he will work closely with Bass through the rest of this year to make the leadership transition as smooth as possible.
“As we reflected on our agency’s mission and transformative work, it became clear that we needed a leader who not only understood the intricacies of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but one who also understood Arc Herkimer itself,” Board Chair Alicia Brockway said at the event.
They found that person in Bass. “We are confident that Lorene will continue to grow innovation and take unique risks,” Brockway said. “We are excited for the future and look forward to continued success.”
Bass has served in multiple leadership roles in her 26 years at Arc Herkimer, where she has focused on transforming services, increasing efficiencies, and improving accessibility. As president and CEO, she plans to continue the agency’s transformation with a people-first focus.
“I come into the role of president and CEO as a woman, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a leader who believes deeply in both people and purpose,” Bass said. “As CEO, I will create an environment where everyone feels supported as people, not just employees. The people we support will continue to be front and center in everything we do, and I will pioneer new ways to bring our mission into the community and strengthen relationships to make sure we’re not just meeting needs but exceeding expectations.”
Bass says she doesn’t believe in spending a lot of time behind a desk, but she does believe in comfortable clothes and laughing a lot.
Founded in 1969, Arc Herkimer employs 344 people and serves more than 600 people with disabilities annually. The agency has seven divisions and 40 sites around Herkimer County.
