NEW YORK — YAI announced today that George Contos has been appointed its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective immediately.  YAI is New York-based not-for-profit which operates programs and services for people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD). The organization was founded in 1957 as the Young Adult Institute.

"I'm excited to assume this new role and look forward to working with our staff to enhance the lives of people with I/DD through a person-centered approach," says Mr. Contos. "YAI has a 60-year legacy of providing services of the highest caliber to the people we support.  By remaining true to our mission, we will continue building an organization that offers state-of-the-art programs and top-quality care that benefit thousands of lives daily."

​Mr. Contos served as Chairman of the YAI Board of Trustees, which he joined in 2012.  He also worked previously as a wealth manager and registered investment advisor at Wealth Advisory Group and Park Avenue Securities.  As a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy, Mr. Contos specialized in structuring charitable gifting and legacy strategies for individuals, families and private foundations.

Earlier in his career, as an attorney with Covey, Roberts, Corliss & Carmody-Roberts, LLP, Mr. Contos focused on elder law, trust-based asset protection and Medicaid planning.  He has a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from Tufts University.

About YAI:

YAI offers a comprehensive range of services to people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Its 5,000 dedicated staff support nearly 20,000 people with I/DD each day. The organization’s mission is to help others achieve the fullest life possible by creating new opportunities for living, loving, working, and learning.

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