Mary Walsh Boatfield, 2009 ATHENA Recipient

September 11th, 2009

Congratulations to Mary Walsh Boatfield, 2009 ATHENA Geneva Recipient. 

Mary is the Chief Executive Officer of Happiness House in Geneva.  Mary has been a presence within the field of developmental disabilities for over 30 years ; 8 of those years as the CEO of Happiness House in Geneva.  Within her leadership role at Happiness House, Mary has launched two, 5 year strategic plans to expand and enhance the realm of services offered to individuals with and without disabilities in our communities.  The goals accomplished thus far under Mary's leadership and guidance include, but are certainly not limited to:

-Spearheading a capital campaign which raised over 1.5 million dollars allowing a 4,500 square foot expansion of the Geneva Happiness House facility and the building of a brand new 23,000 square foot facility in Canandaigua.

-Developing the first pre-vocational program in NYS for individuals with brain injury.

-Building a 3,000 square foot community residence which is now home to 6 youth with disabilities.

-Expanding the realm of autism services available to those individuals and families within our community to ensure that comprehensive, state of the art services are locally accessible.

In addition to the organizational efforts mentioned, Mary also devotes her time and talents to a number of civic and professional affiliations including:

-Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce; vice chair

-Finger lakes Times Health Supplement Board Member

-Founder and past co-chair of the Geneva Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award

-Ontario ARC Advisory Board Member

- Woman's Council/Rochester Business Alliance Member

- Cerebral Palsy Association on NYS and the

-American Speech and Hearing Association

Mary's strong belief in the principles of equal opportunity, independence and the realization of individual potential, truly defines her as a leader.

Congratulations Mary!