Patricia E. Kennedy

James L. Seward

May 13, 2015

Patricia E. Kennedy

Award: HONORING WOMEN IN NEW YORK

Year: 2015

Patricia E. Kennedy, Springbrook Chief Executive Officer, is a strategic leader dedicated to providing the most compassionate, skilled, and leading edge supports for individuals with developmental disabilities. She has established herself as a prominent figure among New York State’s strong special education and developmental disabilities service industry—guiding Springbrook through an unprecedented period of growth and transformation from a small local organization with 200 employees to a commanding statewide agency with over 1,200 employees, a $50 million operating budget, supporting over 850 individuals of all ages. 

Ms. Kennedy earned her Special Education Administration CAS from Syracuse University. She received her master’s degree from Syracuse University in Special Education, and her Bachelor of Science from the State University College at Oswego. 

Before she assumed her role as Springbrook’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Kennedy served as the Director of Education for the School at Springbrook as a Special Education Training Specialist, Consultant in Special Education and Special Education Teacher in Oswego. 

As, Springbrook’s Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Kennedy has focused on visioning and strategic planning. Among the many strategic initiatives that she has accomplished for the organization are the establishment of Otsego County’s only fully integrated preschool program, pilot project for Self-Directed Services, community services and the establishment of 19 community residences. 

Ms. Kennedy oversaw the completion of the largest capital campaign in Springbrook’s history. The $25 million project culminated in the addition of the Tom Golisano Center for Autism that brought 24 young people with autism spectrum disorders home to New York State from out-of-state placements. The $5 million privately funded portion of the project was successfully raised due to Ms. Kennedy’s persistence and commitment to being both Springbrook’s Chief Executive Officer and acting as the primary Development Officer for the organization. 

Ms. Kennedy has received many accolades for her work including being named the 2005 New York State Developmental Disabilities Council Administrator of the Year. Her efforts as Springbrook CEO have seen the organization grow to offer a full range of services including residential, educational, therapeutic and community support options that span a  person’s lifetime.