Arc Herkimer names VP of community engagment and career development

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Catherine Loomis has joined the executive team at Arc Herkimer as VP of community engagement and career development.

In her new position, Loomis will remain in a supervisory role in Arc Herkimer’s Career Connections program, where she has spent much of her time in the last 13 years, in addition to overseeing family-support services, clinical-support specialists, and increasing outreach.

“I am very excited to continue my career at Arc Herkimer by building relationships between local business owners, families, and other organizations,” Loomis said in a news release. “My goal is to connect people to quality services to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual and development disabilities.”

In addition to career development, Loomis will concentrate on providing other supports and services to enhance family stability and aid for those with a disability.

Loomis began her career at Arc Herkimer as a computer-lab instructor after graduating from Nazareth College. She has served in a variety of roles and responsibilities at the agency. Previously as the Career Connections director, she was responsible for a staff of 20 that concentrated on helping people seek and keep employment.

Under Loomis’ leadership, the Career Connections program grew to include 10 vocational services, placing nearly 100 people in the community jobs each year. These services included job development, coaching, community pre-vocational, and other programs to teach individuals work-readiness skills and ensure success on the job. Loomis focused on supporting individuals and families, consistently reviewing their vocational needs, while making businesses a top priority to maintain relationships and supportive working environments, the release stated.

Arc Herkimer, located at 350 S. Washington St. in Herkimer, is the Herkimer County Chapter of NYSARC, Inc. The private, not-for-profit organization was incorporated in 1969. It has seven divisions and over 40 different sites throughout Herkimer County. Arc Herkimer supports more than 600 people with disabilities each year.