John W. Askew, Executive Director of SunriseArc, Leesburg, Florida, was awarded the Executive Excellence Award by the National Conference of Executives of The Arc at The Arc’s National Convention in Florida, November 3, 2010.

The National Conference of Executives of The Arc (NCE) represents over 300 professional leaders of local, state and national organizations serving individuals with cognitive or other developmental disabilities.

The Executive Excellence Award is the highest honor bestowed by NCE to an individual whose career exemplifies the fulfillment of the mission, core values and position statements of The Arc. The Executive Excellence award winner’s career and accomplishments serves as a testimony to our collective mission. It is in this spirit that we recognize and salute an individual who has aspired to excellence through his/her words and deeds in the name of  The Arc and those it serves.

John Askew has served as the Executive Director of SunriseArc for 18 years, part of career that has spanned over 30 years as a leader in The Arc family.  John Askew’s entire career has been devoted to ‘thinking outside the box’, visionary leadership, courage in the face of failure and adversity and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Still, after many years his passion for serving others remains strong and undimmed by the passing of time.  John Askew is viewed by his peers as a true leader who understands that real power is invested in those around him.  He has never lost his ideals of service to others and the power of the movement that is The Arc.