Pittsburgh, PA (December 7, 2023) - Achieva has selected Mary Hartley as the incoming President of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh. Mary will join Achieva on February 12, 2024, just prior to the retirement of her predecessor, Nancy Murray.
The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh is a non-profit affiliate of Achieva, known for its no-cost advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Mary has former ties to the organization; she began her professional advocacy career there in 2007, working with Nancy Murray on the Disability Healthcare Initiative. “I am proud and excited to return to The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh and Achieva, continuing a rich and storied legacy of advocacy - working with and supporting people with disabilities and their families - to ensure their rights and services are supported and improved throughout their lives,” said Mary.
Achieva CEO Steve Suroviec stated, “On behalf of the Achieva Board of Trustees and The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh Board of Trustees, I’m so pleased to welcome Mary back to where she began her advocacy career. We’re confident she’ll continue to uphold the values and mission of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh, championing the rights and well-being of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families in Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Beaver Counties.”
Hartley has most recently served as Executive Director of the
PEAL (Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership) Center, an organization that assists students with disabilities and parents statewide. As a parent advocate, she began volunteering with the Pittsburgh Local Task Force on the Right to Education when her son was in kindergarten. Throughout her career, Mary has directed and managed multiple public policy initiatives and worked to improve human services and public education for children and adults with disabilities and their families.
Mary has influenced and impacted disability policy on a statewide basis as well. She promoted new state laws to help people with disabilities work in competitive jobs, transition from high school to work, and ensure greater access to healthcare and home and community-based services. A highlight of her career was working with self-advocate colleagues on United Way’s
#IWantToWork Campaign. Mary’s involvement contributed to three legislative wins that advanced the employment and financial freedom of Pennsylvanians with disabilities.
Governor Wolf appointed Hartley to serve on the Pennsylvania Employment First Oversight Commission, where she was the inaugural Chair. She has served on the Board of
Disability Rights Pennsylvania and is past Chair of UPMC’s Disability Resource Council.
###
Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong supports to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates with, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.
