NYSILC’s executive director, Brad Williams, has recently retired after 20+ years of service to the council. During his career, Brad directed an Independent Living Center (CIL) for almost ten years in the Southern Adirondacks and helped shape and direct the Statewide Systems Advocacy Network (SSAN) during its formative years. 

Brad has been recognized with several awards for his work, including the 2002 Ted Weiss Consumer Advocacy Award, 2003 and 2014 Regional Advocacy Award, 2004 National Thomas Paine Award, 2005 Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. Award, and the 2007 Justin Dart Award for Political Advocacy.

We are grateful for his many years of service and are happy to announce the appointment of Denise DiNoto as the next executive director of the New York State Independent Living Council. Ms. DiNoto previously served on the council for two terms from 2015-2021 and remains an active member of the development committee.

Denise is a person with a disability who uses Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services to remain independent in the community, and she is also a disability advocate and leader.  She was previously employed as the communications and outreach specialist at Consumer Directed Choices; her lived experiences help her communicate the importance of community-based supports. She is a member of the board of directors of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of NYS. 

When Denise is not at work, she is busy as a Rotarian and is past president of the Colonie-Guilderland Rotary Club. She is also the current president of the Stratton VA Toastmasters and the alumni representative on The College of Saint Rose Board of Trustees.  We are thrilled to congratulate her as the new executive director of NYSILC!

Thank you, Brad – and welcome, Denise!