Northeast Arc will honor Joan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network (PLAN) of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc., and Rick Lord, Retired President & CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts and Co-Chair of Northeast Arc’s Advisory Board, at its signature fundraising event, An Evening of Changing Lives, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Encore Boston Harbor.
“The Changing Lives award recognizes both Rick and Joan’s dedication to Northeast Arc and their commitment in helping the organization create inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities,” said Jo Ann Simons, President and CEO, Northeast Arc. “Since 2021 Joan and PLAN of Massachusetts and Rhode Island have awarded $2.7 million dollars to organizations across our region that help change the lives of people with disabilities and autism. In addition to serving as the co-chair of our advisory committee, Rick has been a longtime champion for people with disabilities to be included in the workforce.”
“I believe so strongly in the mission of Northeast Arc,” said Rick Lord. “I was both surprised and thrilled when I was informed that I would be a recipient of this year’s Changing Lives Award. It is truly an honor”
“At PLAN, we are fortunate enough to partner with more than fifteen disability organizations, and the support and resources that Northeast Arc delivers to those whom they support is setting the standard,” said Joan McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, PLAN of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Inc. “I was truly humbled and honored to learn that I would be a recipient of the Changing Lives Award on behalf of PLAN. I feel blessed that my job gives me the opportunity to work with amazing organizations like the Northeast Arc and to help make a difference in the lives of individuals of all abilities.”
An Evening of Changing Lives features an inclusive fashion show where individuals supported by Northeast Arc are partnered with local celebrities and business executives to highlight their abilities. The event chairs are Dennis Leonard, Chairman of Everett Bank and Stephen Coulter, Founder of Barefoot Tiki, LLC.
The presenting sponsors for An Evening of Changing Lives are Encore Boston Harbor and PLAN of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Sponsorship opportunities for Northeast Arc’s An Evening of Changing Lives event are available. For more information, please visit ne-arc.org/gala or contact Damon Kruppa at dkruppa@ne-arc.org or (978) 924-5144.