INARF Board of Directors Appoints New President/CEO Steve Cook

​Indianapolis, Indiana, June 28, 2016 - The INARF Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Cook as INARF’s new President/CEO. Cook will assume responsibilities on July 25, 2016.

Cook brings a wealth of experience in the field of Developmental Disabilities to this position. For the past 10 years, Cook has been Vice President of Business Development at Benchmark Human Services and previously held leadership roles at two other INARF member agencies - Indiana MENTOR and New Hope of Indiana (formerly known as St. Vincent New Hope).  In addition to Cook’s experience within member agencies, he was also the Director for the Division of Disabilities and Rehabilitative Services (formerly known as Division of Disabilities Aging and Rehabilitative Services) from 2001 to 2004.  Cook has served in various INARF volunteer roles including serving as a Chair and a Member-at-Large for INARF’s Board of Directors, a Chair of the Joint Industry Infrastructure and Innovation & Systems Change Committees, a Co-Chair of the Membership Development Committee, and a Member-at-Large of the Governmental Affairs Committee. INARF is confident that Cook’s experience, knowledge, integrity and passion for individuals with disabilities will serve the Association, our member agencies and disability community partners proudly.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out regarding my move to INARF. I have enjoyed over ten years helping Benchmark establish operations in many parts of the country, but I am excited about working with the INARF Board and INARF staff focusing on my favorite state, Indiana. These are both challenging and exciting times as we focus on services and supports to people with disabilities,” stated Steve Cook. “It’s a blessing in my life to be a part of the continued great work that INARF has been doing for years.”

INARF is the principal membership organization in Indiana representing providers of services to people with disabilities. Our members serve over 50,000 Indiana citizens annually and employ over 14,500 full-time employees. For over 42 years, INARF has maintained positive work relationships with governmental agencies responsible for human service programs, promoted networking and professional development opportunities for members, and provided leadership and support in the promotion of quality programs for persons with disabilities. INARF is committed to strengthening the system of services and supports for Hoosiers with disabilities.

​For more information, contact Heather Newman, 317-634-4957 or [email protected].