A new executive director is stepping into the lead role a well-known Rochester nonprofit organization.
The RT Autism Awareness Foundationboard approved the hiring of James P. Rechson Wednesday night. Rechs will replace Randy Schmidt, who is retiring after three years as the executive director.
"The RT Autism Awareness Foundation is excited to have James join our team and our enormous gratitude to Randy for everything he has done in his time as director," stated board President Dave Kinnebergin the announcement of Rechs' hiring.
Rechs started the new position on Sept. 1.
"I am excited to work with this foundation and the community to find new and innovative ways to address the needs of people with autism and their families," he stated.
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Rechs comes to the new role with more than 10 years of experience of working with children and adults who have autism, as well as their families.
He helped RTAAF create the CARES program, a 10- to 12-week training and support program for parents of children who have just received an autism diagnosis.
Rechs works part time as a therapist at Associates in Psychiatry and Psychologyin Rochester. He previously worked for the Rochester Center for Autism for eight years.
Outgoing Director Schmidt will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors.
"I truly cannot imagine a more compassionate or more qualified individual to lead this foundation into the future," said Schmidt of the hiring of Rechs. "James' knowledge and caring for people that need our support will serve this community very well. I am excited for the future."
RTAAF is looking for more volunteer board members. Anyone interested should contact board President Kinneberg at 358-7059 or coachkhomes@gmail.com.
The nonprofit was founded by Brad and Joan Trahanas the RT Autism Awareness Foundation in 2003. It's named after their son, Reece Trahan, who was diagnosed with severe autism.
