Staff Bios

Kate Ring, Executive Director

Kate Ring serves as the Executive Director responsible for leading the Arc of Yates in accordance with its mission, vision, and values as set forth by the Board of Directors.

Kate is experienced in providing fiscal, strategic, and operational leadership in the not-for-profit arena. She has previously trained Boards of Directors, assisted agencies in mission/vision and organizational planning, worked in building project development, and created systematic approaches to best serve the people in need of support.

Kate holds a M.S. degree in Business Management from State University at Oswego and a B.S. in Social Work from Trinity College. Kate was the recipient of two Fellowship opportunities from the Anderson School of Business at UCLA.

Steve Johnson, Chief Financial Officer

Steve Johnson serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Arc of Yates and is responsible for the Agency’s financial services, information technology, and human resources management.

With over 30 years of experience, Steve provides in-depth knowledge of both operations and strategic aspects of financial planning and control. His experience encompasses financial, operational, and information technology leadership positions in private, non-profit, and Fortune 500 international companies.

Steve has completed Graduate work in the areas of Accounting, Finance, Human Resources Management, and Ethics and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina. Steve is a Certified Public Accountant (North Carolina), Certified in the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS), a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Green Belt, and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Barb Andersen, Senior Director for Staff Development

Barb Andersen serves as Senior Director for Staff Development and is responsible for all required training, as well as developing and implementing training opportunities for on-going professional development to ensure the highest quality of services to persons served by Arc of Yates. In addition, Barb coordinates the Agency Person-Centered Planning and Positive Approaches Initiative.

Barb has 20 years experience with the Arc of Yates in the Day Treatment and Day Habilitation program, initially providing direct support and case management. For 14 years, Barb served as Program Director overseeing the conversion from Day Treatment to Day Habilitation and the development of community based sites. Barb has also served as an Agency trainer for a variety of topics and is a member of the Training Team of the Collaborative of the Finger Lakes.

Barb holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Keuka College.

Deborah Fabris-Coon, Senior Director of Education

Deborah Fabris-Coon serves as the Senior Director of Education and is responsible for providing administration and oversight to the Keuka Lake School and the D.R.I.V.E. Program.

With an extensive background as an educator, Deborah has taught students with special needs at the high school level and was a special education teacher at the pre-school level. Deborah also has an extensive background in school administration, having served in this capacity for over a decade.

Deborah holds a M.S. in Education from Nazareth College and also received a M.S. in School Administration from the State University of New York College at Brockport. She received her B.S.in Elementary Education and Special Education from the State University of New York College at Geneseo.

Bob Nielsen, Senior Director of Operations

Bob Nielsen serves as the Senior Director of Operations and is responsible for the administration of OMRDD Waiver services in the areas of Residential, Day Habilitation, and Vocational Services. Bob is also responsible for the administration of the Agency’s support services, Transportation, and Facilities.

With over 20 years of experience in business operations, Bob has served in various capacities in assembly operations, research and development, international start-up operations, and human services. Bob has extensive experience in industry operations and business management.

Bob holds an A.A.S. from the State University of New York, Morrisville College in Electrical Engineering Technology. Bob is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.