George Contos has been elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of YAI/Rockland County Association for People with Disabilities (RCAPD). He succeeds Peter Stratigos, who retired earlier this year.

In describing his recent appointment, George stated, “As RCAPD’s new Chairman, my role will be to work closely with the Executive Director and her management team to prepare the agency for the I/DD field’s transition to managed care and position it for near-term sustainability and long-term growth and success. With an enhanced level of assistance from YAI, RCAPD’s sole member, innovation and engagement will begin to permeate into our Rockland County programs and new service initiatives will be launched.”   

RCAPD is a member of the YAI Network and supports more than 700 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families annually through a variety of services. These include: employment training and placement, residential, family support, social and recreational programs, and innovative day habilitation. RCAPD collaborates with other members of the YAI Network as well as with state and local partners, including Rockland and Orange-Ulster BOCES, Rockland County Department of Mental Health, Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), and the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). 

George has served as Chief Executive Officer of the YAI Network since September 2015, a role he transitioned to after serving as YAI’s Chairman of the Board. As a former wealth manager, registered investment advisor, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), he developed charitable giving and legacy strategies for individuals, families, and private foundations. He is also a former attorney admitted in New York and Connecticut who specialized in elder law, trust-based asset protection, and Medicaid planning.

George sits on several boards and councils including: InterAgency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies (IAC); Manhattan Star Academy (MSA); OPWDD Joint Advisory Council for Managed Care (JAC); and Board of Managers of Care Design of New York (CDNY), the largest of New York State’s six Care Coordination Organizations/Health Homes supporting people with I/DD.