AURORA of CNY Announces Leadership Changes

AURORA of CNY is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Weidman as Deputy Executive Director. Weidman will transition into the role of Executive Director following the retirement of current Executive Director Debra Chaiken, ensuring a seamless succession in leadership.

“I am honored to join AURORA of CNY and to have the opportunity to work closely with Debra during this transition,” says Weidman. “Debra has established a strong foundation for this organization, and it is an honor to continue to build upon its successes.”

Weidman brings nearly two decades of experience in non-profit management. She was most recently the Director of Compliance & Training at Mosaic Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center based in Rochester, NY. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Organizational Management from Russell Sage College and a master’s degree in Organizational Management from Sage Graduate School.

“I am confident that Kate will propel this agency to new heights,” says Debra Chaiken, AURORA of CNY’s Executive Director. “Her leadership and commitment to the people we support will undoubtedly drive AURORA to achieve new milestones.”

Weidman will succeed Chaiken at the end of 2024, when she retires after 30 years of service to AURORA of CNY. Under her tenure, the agency saw tremendous growth including the establishment of The Children’s Hearing Aid Program to supply youth with hearing aid devices and a pre-college skills program for students with vision loss. 

For more information about AURORA of CNY and its services, please visit www.auroraofcny.org.

About AURORA of CNY

AURORA of CNY is the only area non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting independence and opportunity for people of all ages with vision or hearing loss. The organization’s services include: social work, employment services, orientation & mobility instruction, rehabilitation teaching, adaptive technology evaluation and training, low vision services, children’s instructional services, sign language instruction, as well as professional Sign Language Interpreting through the Marjorie Clere Interpreter Referral Services. AURORA significantly expanded programming to meet the needs of children and youth through the Children’s Hearing Aid Program (CHAP) and a pre-college skills program for students with vision loss and a youth and technology program for children with vision loss. More information about AURORA of CNY is available at www.auroraofcny.org.