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College of Arts and Sciences

Alumna Named CEO of Developmental Disabilities Institute  

Kim KubasekSeton Hall Alumna Kim M. Kubasek '85 was named Chief Executive Officer of Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), a NY-based nonprofit that provides special education and therapeutic intervention services for adults and children with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Ms. Kubasek previously served as DDI's Chief Operating Officer since joining the organization in 2010.

"Kim's credentials, tenure and knowledge of DDI's programs, services and the regulatory landscape made her the unequivocal choice to lead the organization," said Russell Snaith, Board Chair, DDI. "She is passionate about helping the children and adults in DDI's care achieve personal growth and fulfillment. We are confident Kim will continue to drive results, foster innovation and serve as a source of inspiration across the agency."

Ms. Kubasek earned her Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, from Seton Hall, where she majored in certificate in Gerontology. In addition, she received a Master of Business Administration degree in Health Care Administration from Bernard M. Baruch College, Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.

Kubasek graduated as a valedictorian of her class and recalls her experience at Seton Hall as formative, both professionally and personally.

"In many ways, my time at Seton Hall set the table for my future success," said Kubasek. "Consistent with my Catholic values, my college experience reinforced for me that I wanted a career combining management and human services – the ability to use my skills for purpose-driven work."

Kubasek also recalls how the Certificate Program in Gerontology was a unique offering at Seton Hall during her college years. "It provided me with a deep appreciation for the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to wellness and aging and really fueled my interest in health care administration and long term care. My college internships were also valuable learning experiences and I have continued to participate in mentorship and internship opportunities as an employer throughout my career."

Ms. Kubasek's professional career includes seventeen years in healthcare administration, during which time she served as Vice President, Administration at both Staten Island University Hospital and St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY. She later joined United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island based in Hauppauge, NY as Chief Operating Officer, a position she held for six years.

In addition to her educational and professional accomplishments, Ms. Kubasek is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the Healthcare Leaders of New York. She is also involved in several community-based organizations, including as a catechist at Saints Phillips & James Religious Education in St. James, NY; a tutor at Literacy Suffolk; and she is a board member at Jefferson’s Ferry a not-for-profit Continuing Care Retirement Community in East Setauket, NY.

Ms. Kubasek and her husband, Gregory A. Shemitz, a photojournalist, reside in Stony Brook, NY.

About Developmental Disabilities Institute
For more than 60 years, Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI) has provided compassionate personal care to meet the emotional, educational, therapeutic, and vocational needs of children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Founded by parents of children with developmental disabilities, DDI has grown into a dynamic, nonprofit, multi-site agency serving more than 1600 children and adults in our care each day. The parental influence continues with several of our board members being mothers and fathers of the people we serve. DDI recognizes that each person in our care has unique needs and deserves every opportunity to live a rich and meaningful life. Over six decades, we have built a strong reputation for providing exceptional services for all people in our programs, and in particular those who present with the most significant challenges. With a workforce made up of people inspired by purpose®, DDI provides the highest standards of individualized services from expertly trained, caring, and competent staff. For more information, visit http://www.ddiny.org.

Categories: Arts and Culture, Education, Faith and Service

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