(September 10, 2024) Living Independently Forever, Inc. (LIFE), a non-profit agency serving adults with autism, learning and intellectual disabilities, announced that Ann Diver has accepted the position of Board Chair, and Steven Barney will serve as Vice Chair.

Ann Diver previously served on the LIFE Board of Directors for five years as Vice Chair. She has over 30 years of experience in financial services and is currently a Deputy General Auditor at the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University and holds an MBA from New York University. She previously served on the Board of Princeton Special Sports, a non-profit that provides recreational and social activities for people with special needs. Her child has been part of the LIFE community for the past 10 years.

Steven Barney, who has served on the board for six years, will be Vice Chair. Steve is a retired Captain of the U.S. Navy with over 30 years of practice specializing in criminal justice. After graduating from Saint Michael’s College, Captain (retired) Barney graduated from Suffolk University Law School and the U.S. Navy War College. Following his military service, he served as General Counsel and Professional Staff Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services from 2013 to 2017. He most recently served as Commissioner of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service.

Peter Barrett previously held the position of LIFE Chair for the last five years. During this time, the LIFE organization expanded its services to the Plymouth area, including residential and community-based day services (CBDS) in Cordage Park. Peter will remain on the Board as an Emeritus member. 

“LIFE is so fortunate to have the caring, experienced guidance of Ann Diver and Steve Barney as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board,” said CEO Cheryl Evans. “Both are passionate about service and the LIFE mission to support individuals with autism, learning and intellectual disabilities.”

“As LIFE has grown over the past 30 years, the board and the organization have continued to focus on our core mission to empower LIFE individuals to lead their best lives, and this will continue under the very capable leadership of Ann and Steve” said Cornelia Suskind, Board Nominating and Governance Committee Chair. 

Living Independently Forever, Inc., incorporated in 1992, supports adults with autism, learning and intellectual disabilities in their pursuit of a meaningful, healthy, independent life. LIFE currently serves over 260 individuals in Southeast Massachusetts through residential and community-based programs.