News

Pittsburgh, PA - Achieva, a leading disability services organization in southwestern Pennsylvania, announced today that its President and CEO, Steve Suroviec, will retire at the end of 2026. Suroviec, who joined Achieva in December 2017, shared his plans with the Board of Trustees during their March 9th meeting. 

Suroviec is widely recognized for championing innovation and person-centered culture, strengthening Achieva’s financial position, and being a stalwart supporter of Achieva’s advocacy and family support mission. Under his leadership, Achieva has achieved significant milestones, including: 

• Beyond Boundaries Campaign successfully completed, surpassing the $15 million fundraising goal.

• New services prioritized to serve children with complex medical needs, offer on-demand transportation for people with disabilities, and provide supported decision-making services in lieu of guardianship.

• Achieva’s advocacy & family support fund grew to more than $4 million, providing a recurring source of funds to support Achieva’s advocacy mission.

• New $1.5 million permanent endowment created for Direct Support Professional recruitment and retention. 

• “Vocational transformation” plan completed, closing Achieva’s segregated sheltered workshops and day program facilities while growing community services, such as competitive-integrated employment and community-participation services for people with disabilities. 

• Achieva Family Trust assets under management doubled to over $350 million.

• Achieva’s Business Services expanded, helping businesses meet their staffing needs with workers with disabilities (including Giant Eagle, Sheetz, among others).

• Geographic reach of Achieva expanded, including the affiliation of The Arc Erie County.

Achieva’s Board Chair, Meghan Anderson, said, “Steve has been a strong and forward-thinking leader. His vision, values, and leadership have cemented Achieva’s reputation as the region’s ‘best in class’ when it comes to disability service organizations. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, I want to thank Steve not only for his outstanding service to Achieva but his willingness to remain committed to his duties through 2026 while the board completes a national search for a successor.”

Prior to joining Achieva, Suroviec held leadership roles in both the government and non-profit sectors, including the PA Office of Developmental Programs, PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, PA Department of Health, The Arc of Pennsylvania, PA Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, and the Erie County Human Services Department. After serving in the United States Air Force, Suroviec earned his master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School for Public and International Affairs and began his professional career in Washington, D.C. as a Legislative Assistant for then-Congressman Tom Ridge.

Suroviec commented, “I’m proud of the things we’ve accomplished during my years at Achieva - we have a great team and we’re doing great things for people with disabilities and their families. But after nearly 40 years in the public and non-profit sectors, with almost a decade of that with Achieva, I decided it was time to hand the reins to someone who will bring new energy and the next set of cutting-edge ideas to Achieva. My wife Sherry and I are looking forward to making the most of the next chapter of our lives.”

Achieva’s Board of Trustees will convene a search committee and partner with an executive search firm to conduct  a comprehensive national search for the organization’s next President and CEO.

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Achieva is a non-profit organization located in southwestern Pennsylvania providing lifelong support to people with disabilities and their families. Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. Our services range from early intervention therapies and employment supports to special needs trusts and supports in the home and community. Achieva advocates for, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives.