LOCH SHELDRAKE – New Hope Community is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to its Executive Board, David Potash, PhD, President of SUNY Sullivan, and Lachlan Gray, a self-advocate and New Hope Community resident. Both were unanimously approved to serve an initial two-year term.

Together, Potash and Gray bring diverse talents, experiences, and a shared commitment to New Hope Community’s mission of empowering the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Their leadership, advocacy, and perspectives will strengthen the Board’s ongoing dedication to strong governance, strategic growth, and long-term financial vitality.

David Potash, PhD serves as President of SUNY Sullivan, and is a higher education leader committed to access, equity, and community engagement. He holds degrees from Rice University, New York University, and the University of Cambridge, and has served in senior leadership roles across CUNY, Curry College, and Wilbur Wright College in Chicago. His work has earned national recognition for student success and community partnerships.

On joining the Board, Potash commented, “I am honored to be joining the board of New Hope Community. A long-standing partner with SUNY Sullivan, New Hope does tremendous work. I look forward to doing all that I can to assist in their efforts, helping the team at New Hope as they continue their journey of growth and serving our community.”

Lachlan Gray is a self-advocate and resident of New Hope Community who brings lived experience, creativity, and a strong interest in inclusion to the Board of Directors. He joined New Hope Community in 2023 after living in Westchester County, where he pursued college studies. Actively engaged in community life, Gray participates in meaningful employment at Hope Farm and enjoys building LEGO and playing Beyblade in his spare time. He is passionate about advocating for individuals with I/DD and looks forward to contributing his perspective to help strengthen New Hope Community’s growth for future generations.

In reflecting on his appointment to the Board and the importance of being a voice for the people who call New Hope Community home, Gray stated, “It’s very important for the Board to know what the residents are thinking, and I personally wanted to join the Board to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes and how I can make a difference.”

New Hope Community’s breadth of services include clinical and nursing care, residential services, day programming, community habilitation, self-direction, support brokerage, service navigators, education, recreation and leisure activities, a robustly supported employment program, summer programs for youths, and so much more. New Hope Community has always maintained a person-centered approach toward empowering the lives of people with disabilities and actively advocates for individual choice in a person’s efforts to live, work, and participate fully in his or her community. Learn more at www.newhopecommunity.org.