ARTICLE
182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203.846.9581 | starct.org Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter Member Profile | Member Since 1978 For more information: Jennifer Thompson (STAR) 203.846.9581, ext.339 jthompson@starct.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way…is proud to announce the promotion of Eric Kuna to the position of Assistant Director of Financial Services. Eric is a Shelton native and graduate of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a BS in Accounting. Eric brings a wealth of accounting and financial experience and a growth mindset to the STAR finance program that continues to enhance the department. In this position, reporting to Denise Oakley, STAR Director of Finances, Eric will capitalize on his forte of managing nonprofit-specific accounting challenges related to state funding, auditing compliance and Medicaid/Medicare reimbursements. As Assistant Director of Financial Services, Eric will support the financial requirements of STAR, Inc. and over 100 residents of fifteen group homes and a variety of independent living arrangements in apartments and condominiums in Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, Weston, Darien and New Canaan. Since joining STAR in 2012 handling accounts receivable, Eric was later promoted to Business Manager. During that time, and especially during Covid-19, Eric was credited with a variety of important accomplishments and was given added responsibilities including accounting management for the New Canaan STAR group residence, running the STAR Capital Fund, interfacing with state auditors, and execution of PPP loans and grant funding. “I am honored to be promoted and continue my work as part of the STAR team,” says Eric. “I look forward to expanding my role and responsibilities in the finance department. I believe my job truly makes a difference in the lives of people impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them to live independently with the necessary supports to thrive.” Katie Banzhaf, STAR Executive Director, asserts, “We are thrilled to promote Eric within our organization. Eric brings incredible focus, diligence and expertise to his new role. I anticipate an excellent working relationship with Eric as he serves in his capacity as our new Assistant Director of Financial Services. STAR has a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, benefiting both our staff and clients by the knowledge and relationships acquired over time that ensure continued high-quality service delivery.” Celebrating its 70th Anniversary, STAR was established in 1952 by parents who believed that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the same basic opportunities as other children. Today, STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization that has grown to include a full array of services for over 600 individuals with disabilities, from birth to their senior years and their families. STAR’s mission is to create opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. They inform and encourage the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. Services include early intervention pediatric therapies; family support services; high school transition, job assessment and training; assistive technology evaluations, adult day services, recreation; and residential support to adults in group homes and apartments. For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.starct.org For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, visit www.starct.org. # # #
182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203.846.9581 | starct.org Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter Member Profile | Member Since 1978
For more information: Jennifer Thompson (STAR) 203.846.9581, ext.339 jthompson@starct.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way…is proud to announce the promotion of Eric Kuna to the position of Assistant Director of Financial Services. Eric is a Shelton native and graduate of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a BS in Accounting. Eric brings a wealth of accounting and financial experience and a growth mindset to the STAR finance program that continues to enhance the department. In this position, reporting to Denise Oakley, STAR Director of Finances, Eric will capitalize on his forte of managing nonprofit-specific accounting challenges related to state funding, auditing compliance and Medicaid/Medicare reimbursements. As Assistant Director of Financial Services, Eric will support the financial requirements of STAR, Inc. and over 100 residents of fifteen group homes and a variety of independent living arrangements in apartments and condominiums in Norwalk, Westport, Wilton, Weston, Darien and New Canaan. Since joining STAR in 2012 handling accounts receivable, Eric was later promoted to Business Manager. During that time, and especially during Covid-19, Eric was credited with a variety of important accomplishments and was given added responsibilities including accounting management for the New Canaan STAR group residence, running the STAR Capital Fund, interfacing with state auditors, and execution of PPP loans and grant funding. “I am honored to be promoted and continue my work as part of the STAR team,” says Eric. “I look forward to expanding my role and responsibilities in the finance department. I believe my job truly makes a difference in the lives of people impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities by helping them to live independently with the necessary supports to thrive.” Katie Banzhaf, STAR Executive Director, asserts, “We are thrilled to promote Eric within our organization. Eric brings incredible focus, diligence and expertise to his new role. I anticipate an excellent working relationship with Eric as he serves in his capacity as our new Assistant Director of Financial Services. STAR has a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, benefiting both our staff and clients by the knowledge and relationships acquired over time that ensure continued high-quality service delivery.” Celebrating its 70th Anniversary, STAR was established in 1952 by parents who believed that children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are entitled to the same basic opportunities as other children. Today, STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way is a not–for-profit organization that has grown to include a full array of services for over 600 individuals with disabilities, from birth to their senior years and their families. STAR’s mission is to create opportunities for individuals to live full lives with independence, freedom of choice and personal growth by providing support, services and advocacy. They inform and encourage the community to recognize and appreciate the value of all individuals. Services include early intervention pediatric therapies; family support services; high school transition, job assessment and training; assistive technology evaluations, adult day services, recreation; and residential support to adults in group homes and apartments. For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.starct.org For more information about STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, visit www.starct.org.
# # #