July 1, 2025 – NY, NY – YAI, a nonprofit supporting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, today announced the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Carey. Carey passed away on June 30, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

“With profound sadness and heavy hearts we share the tragic news of the passing of our CEO, Kevin Carey,” said Jeffery Mordos, Chair of YAI’s Board of Trustees. “Kevin was an extraordinary leader, inspiring us all with his unwavering commitment to YAI building a more inclusive world for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Kevin will be sorely missed by everyone across the YAI community, but his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. Our Trustees, our leadership team, and all our employees across the organization mourn this loss and extend our deepest sympathies to Kevin’s wife Maggie, children Finn and Lucy, entire loving family, and many friends.”

Kevin Carey joined YAI as Director of Financial Services in 2016. He became Interim CEO in 2022 and was appointed CEO in June 2023. Prior to that, he was YAI’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Budgeting. In addition, he was Board Chair for iHOPE, a trustee of Manhattan Star Academy, and a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee. Prior to joining YAI, Kevin was Deputy Director of Financial Operations and Business Development for the Children’s Aid Society. He held a master’s degree in Business Administration from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University.

The YAI Board of Trustees has appointed Gary Milchman, YAI’s Chief Program Officer, as acting CEO, effective immediately. 

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About YAI

Founded in 1957, YAI remains at the forefront of an extraordinary movement aimed at empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families. YAI and its network of affiliate agencies offer children and adults with (I/DD) a comprehensive range of services. YAI is committed to seeing beyond disability, providing opportunities for people to live, love, work, and learn in their communities. YAI’s 4,000 employees provide supportive housing, education, medical, dental, and mental health care, job training, community integration, and social enrichment for more than 20,000 people with I/DD, and their families, in New York, New Jersey, and California. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Schwed: sarah.schwed@yai.org | 646.991.0158