Council Membership
The Governor appoints members of the Council to direct and oversee the activities of the Council staff and to facilitate the distribution of Federal funds available to New York State. By Federal law, at least 60% of the members of the Council must be people with developmental disabilities, or family members of people with developmental disabilities. Our diverse membership ensures input from people with many different skills and life experiences. The DDPC membership composition is directed by the DD Act of 2000 which is the authorizing law which created Councils.
The remaining members are representatives from relevant State agencies and entities that administer funds provided under Federal laws related to people with Developmental Disabilities.
Council Member Duties
Council members have many duties. They:
- serve on committees and subcommittees,
- attend full Council and committee meetings,
- take part in discussions, presentations, development of projects and initiatives,
- review and vote on funding motions, and
- review and approve State Plans.
For more information, watch 'What It Means to be a Council Member' video testimony from a current Council member and read 'Council Member Code of Conduct' document about DDPC ethical guidelines for Council members.
Becoming a Council Member
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DDPC COUNCIL MEMBER?
If you are interested in being considered for membership, please follow this link - DDPC Council Membership Forms | Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ny.gov) - to apply for membership.
List of Active Members

COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON
Dave Deuel (Interim Chair)
COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRPERSON
Jennifer C. Thau
CAUCUS CHAIRPERSON
Shameka Andrews
CAUCUS MEMBERS
Mariela Adams
Shameka Andrews
Peter Cole
Daniel Cunningham
Dave Deuel
David Feickert, Jr.
Bin Feng
Stuart Flaum
Shawn Fultz
Valeriya Gregory
Amanda Haught
Ketrina Hazell
Xavier Skeeter
Jennifer C. Thau
Debora Thivierge
Not For Profit Representative
Josh Phelps, Aim Services, Inc.
Non-Governmental Organization Representative
Joshua Christiana, The Arc NY
UNIVERSITY CENTERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY
Susan Fox, PhD - President and CEO - Westchester Institute for Human Development
Joanne F. Siegel, LCSW - Co-Director - Rose F. Kennedy University Center for Excellence
Suzannah J. Iadarola, PhD - Director - Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities
Julie M. Keegan, Esq. - Director of the Protection and Advocacy Program for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (PADD) - Disability Rights New York
STATE AGENCY REPRESENTATIVES
Honorable Kerri Neifeld - Commissioner - NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities
Honorable Dr. Betty A. Rosa - Commissioner - NYS Education Department
Honorable Greg Olsen - Director - NYS Office for the Aging
Honorable Mary T. Bassett, M.D. - Commissioner - NYS Department of Health