Arc Herkimer plans for first leadership change in 20 years

HERKIMER — Arc Herkimer will have a new leader in the new year when Kevin Crosley retires after leading the organization for 20 years. Lorene Bass, a 26-year employee, will take over the top slot in 2026 with a focus on building upon what Crosley began and continuing to grow the organization, which provides an array of services to people with disabilities. “What we’ve done has been great,” Bass says. Arc Herkimer has made tremendous strides in promoting inclusion and breaking stereotypes. “I truly believe our community is more accepting than ever.” She’s excited to continue that mission as Arc Herkimer’s first female leader in more than 40 years. “I know I have some creative, innovative people [on staff],” she says. “I’m excited to be able to grow with that team and grow in our community.” Bass has already notched some achievements in her current role as executive VP of support and services at Arc Herkimer including bringing all the agency’s services together under one umbrella. “I’ve never really been afraid to take on a challenge,” she says. As the newest president and CEO, Bass will take on the organization’s planned event center project at its Mohawk Valley Golf and Event Center. She expects the project to break ground next year, and she will oversee getting the center off the ground and profitable. The project got its start under Crosley, who joined the agency in 2005 — a time when it was more service-based and less entrepreneurial. “When I came, it was time for a culture change,” Crosley says. He joined Arc Herkimer from an agency in Cortland that was very entrepreneurial and brought that spirit with him. He likes to say that not-for-profit is a tax status, not a business model. Under Crosley’s leadership, Arc Herkimer opened a number of entrepreneurial ventures including the golf and event center and the Arc Mall in Ilion, both made possible by donations, as well as the Arc Herkimer Goods Store. “It’s been great for the community and the people we serve,” Crosley says of those ventures. The golf and event center alone provides employment or services for more than 50 people that Arc Herkimer serves. Other ventures haven’t been as successful. The agency opened the Copper Café in its Arc Mall in Ilion, providing jobs for people with disabilities and tasty coffee and treats for the community. However, when Slocum-Dickson vacated its space in the mall and nearby Remington Arms closed, business volume dropped, and the café closed. But he doesn’t view it as a failure. “We see them as learning experiences,” Crosley says. Looking ahead to retirement, he isn’t sure what is on the agenda just yet. “I think I just want to chill and figure out what my next step will be,” says Crosley. “I’m just looking forward to changing the pace a little bit.”