Glens Falls, NY – September 1, 2022 – Please join me in extending best wishes to Debra Rowell, who is retiring from Community, Work & Independence on September 13. Deb has been a respected employee for 42 years, she will be greatly missed by colleagues and the people we serve.
Mrs. Rowell began her career with CWI in 1980 as a Vocational Evaluator/ PAT Instructor. During her tenure she has held many senior roles, most recently she was the Chief Operating Officer and acting CEO. She played a
critical role in helping the firm adapt to changes always putting the individuals we serve first in every decision that was made. “Mrs. Rowell has dedicated 42 years of working with CWI in many different roles, she was always doing what was needed and what was asked of her. She will be greatly missed”, said Dr. Harriet Busch, CWI acting Board President.
“I am proud to have been a part of this exceptional organization. Every day we are entrusted with ensuring safety and assisting with daily needs to help individuals achieve goals of independence. We are there when they make mistakes and help them learn from them, we get to share in the thrill of their success while building meaningful relationships and making friends. I’ve enjoyed being a part of the support system creating opportunities for people to achieve what we all want, a meaningful life”, Deb says.
“CWI is indebted to Mrs. Rowell for her exemplary leadership and valuable contribution over her 42 years of services to CWI and more recently with her work guiding the organization through recent challenges including changing reimbursement, COVID, and continued staffing shortages”, says Mark Lukens, current CEO. “Under her stewardship, CWI successfully navigated many of these challenges and continued to deliver commendable results.” Mark added.
In retirement, Mrs. Rowell plans to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She also plans to travel and volunteer in the community. We hope she is blessed with many wonderful experiences and we wish her the best.
About CWI
Established in 1963, Community, Work & Independence Inc. (CWI), a not-for-profit community rehabilitation provider specializes in offering innovative supports and services to meet the needs of the medically frail, intellectually/developmentally disabled, mentally economically disadvantaged, brain-injured, learning disabled, and other individuals in four counties. CWI supports individuals to be productive and meaningful members of their local community by building a foundation that allows them to springboard toward a higher level of independence while discovering their potential and pursuing the lives they envision. To learn more about us, or support our accomplishments visit us online at www.cwinc.org.