Our Board of Managers brings together a unique blend of expertise; from law, finance, medicine, and disability services, My Choice provides a multifaceted approach to trust management curated to safeguard every element of the beneficiary’s present and future. Our legal and financial experts ensure rigorous oversight, asset protection, and long-term growth while our practitioners in medicine and disability services advocate for the highest quality of personal support and life-enhancing care. Together, My Choice Trust Services moves beyond money management to champion for the long-term health and happiness of those we serve.

Our Leadership Team combines decades of legal strategy with scientific rigor and financial expertise, ensuring every trust is built on a foundation of technical precision and long-term fiscal stability. My Choice Trust Services was created by an attorney with decades of experience in special needs trusts and is directed by a scientific researcher who brings a data-driven, analytical approach. Our financial services are managed by two dedicated finance professionals with extensive experience in asset preservation. Together, we provide the oversight necessary to navigate the unique challenges of supplemental needs trusts and financial planning.

Louis “Lou” Tehan is a long-time leader in the disability services field, best known for his nearly four decades of services as President and CEO of Upstate Cerebral Palsy (UCP), a major provider of direct-care services for people with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities and their families.

Tehan earned his degree from Utica University (then Utica College) in 1974. Five years later, he began his tenure with UCP in August 1979 as Executive Director, growing the agency from a small grassroots agency into a statewide provider of services for people with physical, developmental, and mental disabilities. Under Tehan’s leadership, the agency expanded to own over 90 buildings, employ 3,000 people, and serve more than 30,000 individuals annually. It also developed residential facilities, education programs, and behavioral health services, becoming a leader in meeting the needs of individuals transitioning from developmental centers. After 39 years in the role, Tehan transitioned to CEO of Upstate Caring Partners, UCP’s parent organization, and continues to work about 35 hours a week, gradually reducing his hours but remaining active in the agency’s mission.

Tehan is also one of the two original founding members of our LIFEPlan CCO and is Chair of the Board of Directors. LIFEPlan is now a collaboration of 70 agencies, over 700 professionals and 18,000 members and families in 38 counties.

Trustee

Michael Arcuri, Esq., is a graduate of the University at Albany with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Economics and the New York Law School where he received his Juris Doctor in 1984.

Arcuri is currently a practicing attorney with the Ward Arcuri Foley & Dwyer Law Firm, which he co-founded with his partner, Andrew K. Ward, Esq. in 2017. His practices focus on estate planning which includes the creation, maintenance, and administration of trusts and last wills and testaments. He has been practicing law for nearly forty years in the Central New York area, during which time he has held the positions of District Attorney (1994- 2007), President of the New York State District Attorney’s Association (2003-2004), United States Congressman (2007-2011), Plan Administrator of the Oneida County Assigned Council Program (2016- present), and Panel Member of the NYS Industrial Board of Appeals (2014- present). He is also a registered lobbyist with the Federal Government and former adjunct instructor at Utica University.

Trustee

John “Dwight” Evans is a graduate of Utica University (formerly known as Utica College of Syracuse University) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1979.

Evans is retired as the Chief of Staff of the New York State Senate. He was the former Chief of Staff for Senator Joseph Griffo (2008-2018) and Senator Raymond Meier (1998-2007). He also served as the Constituent Services Representative of the New York State Senate (1986 – 1998), and the Political Action Coordinator for NYS Central Region (1982-1986).

Trustee

Rosemary Lorello is a graduate of The College of Saint Rose with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education/ Elementary Education.

Lorello is currently the Chief Program Officer for the Center for Disability Services (2016- present). She is a dedicated member of her company, with former positions including Deputy Executive Director of Residential Services (2000-2016), Assistant Executive Director for Program Operations (formerly known as Residential Opportunities, Inc) (1980-2000). She is the recipient of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State Affiliate Leadership Award (2009).

Trustee

Michael F. O’Brien III, P.A.-C is a graduate of the St. Francis College Physician Assistant Program where he received a Bachelor of Science in 1988. He received his NCCPA Board Certification in Primary Care and Surgery in 1988 – present.

O’Brien is currently a Physician Assistant at the Ellis Medical group Primary Care and Urgent Care facilities (2018- present). He has experience as a Physician Assistant at numerous facilities, including, but not limited to: Scotia-Glenville Family Medicine (2000-2018), Wilton Medical Arts (2003-2018), Community Care Physicians (1998-2001), and McClellan Health Systems (1998-2000). He served as the Regional President of the North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (1997) and is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Trustee

Walter W. Stockton is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinexion, a management service organization (MSO) for an affiliate network comprised of Independent Group Home Living Program, Inc., [IGHL], The New Interdisciplinary School [NIS], The Center for Developmental Disabilities, Inc., The Association for Technology Dependent Children, Inc./d.b.a Angela’s House, Head Injury Association, Inc., [HIA], Maryhaven, Inc., and East End Disability Associates, Inc., [EEDA]. This network positions seven well-respected not-for-profit organizations to lead the way in which we are able to provide lifetime supports for people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

TRUST OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS