In an effort to strategize service operations, bring new and innovative programming to the WNY community, and realize potential within the agency, Aspire of WNY has promoted Martha Farewell to Executive Vice President of Service Operations (EVP), effective January 23rd, 2023. The position and promotion were conceived by Aspire of WNY’s current leadership team, including Renee A. Filip, President & CEO, Jen Ball, CFO, and Melissa Roth, CHRO. In this role, Martha will oversee operations and support expansion in the following agency divisions: Residential, Day Habilitation, Community & Independent Living Supports, Clinical Services, and Educational Services.
“As we discussed the EVP position, it became clear that it would be a great asset to our growing agency,” said Renee. “We created the EVP role to ensure smooth running operations of service divisions and to maximize agency-wide services and supports. While interviewing for EVP, we saw that Martha has the experience, education, skills, and vision to lead our service operations into the future of Aspire of WNY.”
Martha began working for Aspire in 1990, practicing as a Speech Pathologist, with a focus on using assistive technology and augmentative communication systems to help provide a “voice” to individuals who had lost the ability to speak. She has taught seminars on augmentative communication at SUNY Geneseo, served on the clinical advisory committee for the Upstate New York Multiple Sclerosis Society, and presented at the 2014 International Closing the Gap Conference. Over her years with the agency, her roles have evolved and expanded, and she has played pivotal roles in each of the service divisions through clinical supports, collaborative projects, assistive technology implementation, transitional service planning, and leadership of cross-divisional initiatives.
At Aspire of WNY, Martha has been a Speech Pathologist, Speech Pathology Supervisor, Therapy Operations Manager, Director of Clinical Services, and Vice President of Clinical Services. She has helped Aspire of WNY to participate in a long-term on-site graduate student clinical training program in collaboration with SUNY College at Buffalo, as well as form a collaborative agreement with Hospice of Buffalo, giving individuals augmentative communication services in their final stages of life.
Martha maintains her license as a Speech Pathologist, holds her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology, a Master of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and Sciences, a Medical Office Management degree, and a Certificate of Achievement from the Leadership Accelerator Program of SUNY Buffalo.
“I am truly honored to be named EVP.,” said Martha. “I am excited for my new role, and I look forward to collaborating with leadership across the agency, as well as with our valued team members who help support the individuals we serve every day. Aspire of WNY is truly unique in their approach towards making an impact in the lives of those with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and I am thrilled to be a part of the difference we’re able to make in WNY and beyond.”
Congratulations to Martha on her promotion! We are excited to see the future of Aspire of WNY with Martha in the EVP role.
ABOUT ASPIRE OF WNY: At Aspire of WNY, we are driven by the core belief that children and adults with developmental disabilities have the right to realize their full potential and live as independently as possible. Aspire of WNY compassionately and relentlessly works toward facilitating this end.
Our total commitment to the development of innovative, individualized programs, continual integration of the developmentally disabled within the community and to providing full-service solutions to the populations it serves, makes Aspire the leading agency of its kind and a true asset to the Western New York Community.
Aspire of WNY is celebrating their 76th year of supporting 3,000+ individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the WNY area. Aspire of WNY is a large employer with 1,500+ associates.