Goshen, N.Y.- Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Inaudy Esposito, Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission, have announced that Doug Hovey and Frank Kimler have been appointed as co-Chairs of the Human Rights Commission.
“I think Doug’s and Frank’s backgrounds, skills and combined experience will be an asset to the Human Rights Commission,” Neuhaus said. “In today’s complicated world, we need to ensure that basic human rights are upheld, met and supported, and I know these two men embrace that philosophy. Doug and Frank, working closely with Inaudy Esposito and the rest of the Commission, will help defend and safeguard the human rights of everyone in our community.”
Hovey is the Founding Chief Executive Officer of Independent Living, Inc. Under Hovey’s leadership, Independent Living, has grown from a staff of three to more than 100. Through its affiliate, Independent Home Care, it employs 700 home care workers. Independent Living has become a recognized leader in the development of peer behavioral health and consumer directed services improving the quality of life for tens of thousands of individuals over three decades.
Hovey is personally familiar with the challenges faced by people with disabilities and serves on several Boards including the Wellness Collaborative of NY, New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL), New York Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (NYAPRS), and is a member of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of NYS (CDPAANYS). He has received numerous awards for his steadfast leadership in disability rights.
Kimler, a tax and accounting manager for Nugent & Haussler, is the chairman of Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Inc., where he helps organize charter flights to Washington, D.C. monuments for veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, and is also a member of the National Honor Flight, Inc. Board of Directors.
“The Human Rights Commission is excited to work with Frank and Doug in their new role, and are very grateful to their predecessor, Fred Cook, for his commitment and dedication in his role as the previous Chair,” Esposito said.
The Orange County Human Right’s Commission’s primary objective is to foster mutual respect and understanding among all groups in the county including, but not limited to: racial, religious, gender, nationality, disability, and LGBTQ groups. They coordinate and facilitate education and awareness to the community and public and private organizations that foster understanding of equity, acceptance, unity, and humanity. The Human Rights office can be reached at 615-3680.
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