Diane Kraut, president of the board of directors of PARC, announced Linda Garcia has assumed the position of executive director of PARC — Family Centered Services for People with Developmental Disabilities effective Nov. 16. Stephanie Jaczko Robinson, who had previously held the position, has transitioned into the role of director of development.

Garcia has been a resident of Plainville for most of her life. She comes to PARC with 25 years of experience working for the YMCA of Greater Hartford, 22 years at the Wheeler branch and three years at the YMCA corporate office in Hartford. She brings extensive fundraising and program development experience to this position. Her work with families and volunteers, in her community, state, nationally and internationally is a particular asset.

In 2009, PARC established a new vocational employment program called Work Right!, and saw an increase in attendance at the evening recreation activities for adults with developmental disabilities. PARC’s Camp Trumbull summer program continues to be a unique and important offering for children with developmental disabilities in the Plainville school district.

Kraut said, "Linda is a strong leader who is overwhelmingly qualified to lead this organization. PARC’s program needs are expanding such that we felt it was timely to establish a development office as well. I am delighted that we have expanded our capabilities in this way and look forward to a strong, vibrant future for PARC.”

For more information about PARC, visit www.plainvillearc.org or contact the PARC office at (860) 747-0316.