Western New York Independent Living, Inc. (WNYIL) is proud to announce the appointment of Stephanie Orlando as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A lifelong advocate for disability rights and a respected leader in the independent living movement, Ms. Orlando brings over 25 years of experience in systems advocacy and nonprofit leadership to her new role.
Ms. Orlando succeeds longtime CEO, Douglas J. Usiak, who retired after more than 40 years of service. Under Usiak’s tenure, WNYIL grew to become a regional force in disability advocacy, providing critical services across five counties. Now, she is poised to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and innovation.
“I’m excited to see the impact Stephanie will have as she steps into leadership at WNYIL. For more than two decades, I’ve watched her grow into a powerful national voice for disability rights. Knowing that she’s rooted here in Western New York gives me confidence—her loyalty, integrity, and commitment will guide WNYIL into a future where people with disabilities are fully recognized as equal and valued members of our community.” — Douglas J. Usiak
Ms. Orlando has served as Chief Operations Officer at WNYIL since 2018, overseeing five affiliate agencies across Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming counties and serves as the chair of both the Erie County Community Services Board and the 1115 Waiver Social Care Network Governance Committee with Western NY Integrated Care Collaborative.
A fierce champion of self-determination, she is widely recognized for her trailblazing work in youth peer advocacy. She is the founder and former director of YOUTH POWER! of Families Together in New York State, a youth-run advocacy network focused on ensuring young people have a voice in all aspects of the child-serving system.
In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed Ms. Orlando to the National Council on Disability, where she served a two-year term confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women’s History Month Award, National Council on Independent Living’s Diana Vietz Award, Mental Health America’s Mpower Award, and the Leila Salmon Advocacy Award from the New York State Mental Health Association.
Ms. Orlando’s appointment signals a continued commitment by WNYIL to equity, peer leadership, and community empowerment.
“It is a privilege to succeed Douglas J. Usiak and carry on his legacy. As a person with multiple disabilities, I have a profound understanding of the importance of WNYIL’s mission. We are a peer-directed organization dedicated to breaking down barriers, promoting civil rights, and enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities. We have a long-standing history of working to establish innovative programming and landmark legislation. I am excited and eager to continue to build on our strong foundation of relentless advocacy, peer support, and community collaboration.” – Stephanie Orlando