RCPA to Recognize Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients at the 2026 Conference!

Come celebrate with RCPA at our 2026 Conference in Hershey, PA, as we honor the distinguished careers of four leaders in health and human services at our Awards Luncheon. Early bird rates end this Friday, so register today and reserve your spot at this exciting event! RCPA is proud to announce that we will be recognizing and celebrating the lifetime achievements of:

Jim Cook, Retiring CEO, Cambria Residential Services

For more than forty years, Jim Cook has been a steady, principled, and compassionate leader in Pennsylvania’s intellectual and developmental disability services community. Jim’s work at Cambria Residential Services has shaped not only programs and policies but also the lives of countless people, families, and professionals who have been strengthened by his commitment to dignity, inclusion, and possibility. Jim was instrumental in opening the first group home in Pennsylvania, and his career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to the people served.

Cindy Pasquinelli, Retiring CEO, Strawberry Fields, Inc.​​​​​​​

Cindy Pasquinelli is retiring after 41 years of exceptional leadership and service to Strawberry Fields. Throughout her decades-long career, Cindy has led with passion, purpose, and an unyielding commitment to providing the highest quality programs and services for individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism, and mental health challenges in Centre County, Pennsylvania. After her retirement, she plans to continue supporting Devereux in its efforts to forge new partnerships with organizations like Strawberry Fields that share its dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in need.

Scott Suhring, Retiring CEO, Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative (CABHC)​​​​​​​

Scott Suhring has championed person‑centered care, data‑driven quality improvement, and collaborative partnerships that elevate outcomes for individuals, families, and providers across the region. As CEO of the Capital Area Behavioral Health Collaborative, Scott’s leadership has shaped systems that prioritize dignity, access, and accountability. Under Scott’s guidance, CABHC has become a model for how managed care oversight can be both fiscally responsible and deeply humane, ensuring that every decision reflects the needs of the people served.

Steve Suroviec, President and CEO, Achieva​​​​​​​

Steve Suroviec is widely recognized for championing innovation and person-centered culture, strengthening Achieva’s financial position, and being a stalwart supporter of Achieva’s advocacy and family support mission. Under his leadership, Achieva has achieved significant milestones, including: closing Achieva’s segregated sheltered workshops and day program facilities while growing community services, such as competitive-integrated employment and community-participation services for people with disabilities; creating new services prioritized to serve children with complex medical needs; offering on-demand transportation for people with disabilities; and providing supported decision-making services in lieu of guardianship.

Register today, and view the brochure for more details on our awards recipients, workshops, schedule, and more!

Contact Conference Coordinator Carol Ferenz with any questions.