After an impressive 45-year career in the human services industry, Jeanne Meikrantz, the Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Chester County for the last 13-plus years, announced her retirement effective June 30, 2026.
Jeanne has spent her entire career deeply devoted to the human rights movement and enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
“It is bittersweet to retire. While I have tremendous excitement about this next chapter in life, I will miss my Arc family and everyone I was privileged to meet and partner with along the way over the last 45 years in the quest to ensure equal rights and social justice for every person.”
“Together, we have done amazing and important work with and for individuals with disabilities and their families. The Arc of Chester County is an incredible organization that I have been truly honored to lead. It is staffed by a talented and compassionate team that cares deeply about the health, happiness, and success of each individual we have had the privilege to know and support.
I have also been truly blessed to experience the love and support of our individuals, families, Arc members, and community partners who have joined our advocacy efforts and generously supported the mission of The Arc. It has also been a privilege to work with so many dedicated board members who have passionately guided and supported me and the organization’s growth and success during my tenure. I couldn’t be more thankful for their leadership and unwavering support,” shared Jeanne.
A graduate of Kutztown University, Jeanne has more than four decades of experience. Her experience began by volunteering at Pennhurst in 1977. That experience inspired her to ensure the human rights violations and social injustice inflicted on the people living at Pennhurst would end and would never happen again. After graduating from Kutztown, Jeanne landed her first job in the Human Services field as a direct support professional at KenCrest.
Jeanne quickly advanced to working in multiple positions and service settings from management, support coordination, advocacy, administration, funding, policy, and operations in both the nonprofit and government sectors.
Prior to coming to The Arc of Chester County in 2012, Jeanne was the Acting Policy Director at the PA Department of Human Services, Office of Development Programs. Prior to that, she held the position of Deputy Administrator of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Early Intervention Services at the Chester County Department of MH/IDD.
Jeanne was born and raised in the Philadelphia region. She is an experienced traveler throughout the Commonwealth and the country. When not working, Jeanne enjoys precious time with her incredible family, watching the Eagles and Phillies (win or lose), and being a sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin, wife, mother, and grandmother. Jeanne also enjoys spending time with her dear friends, many of whom she was blessed to meet on this incredible 45-year journey.
“Jeanne has been an outstanding leader for The Arc of Chester County for the last 13 plus years. I have seen firsthand the lengths to which she would go to support individuals and families, challenge the status quo, change policy, enact legislation, and so much more. She is laser-focused on creating opportunities that continue to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.
Jeanne’s strategic vision and tremendous dedication have grown The Arc of Chester County during her tenure. Replacing her is going to be a challenge, but in true Jeanne fashion, she is committed to supporting the board, staff, and entire Arc family with a smooth transition to a new leader,” said Lisa Albany, President of the Board of Directors.
“Even though I am announcing my plans to retire, I will remain a life-long, devoted Arc family member as well as a fierce advocate for social justice, inclusion, adequate funding, and access to quality services for Individuals with disabilities and their families,” assured Jeanne.
The Arc of Chester County congratulates Jeanne Meikrantz on an outstanding and successful career and wishes her the very best in her retirement after June 30, 2026.
The Arc of Chester County is actively seeking a new CEO. Interested candidates should visit The Arc of Chester County CEO Search for the job posting and application process.
The mission of The Arc of Chester County is to advocate, educate, and provide services that empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives. The Arc’s programs and services prepare individuals with the skills and support they need for living in the community and speaking up for their rights.
Today, The Arc serves more than 5,500 children and adults with disabilities and their families each year through the provision of a lifetime of services beginning at birth and extending throughout a person’s life.
