ROBERT S. BUDD, MPS

Robert S. Budd, a mission-driven, results oriented, dedicated leader, is the Sr. Chief Executive Officer/President of Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), a not-for-profit agency that supports individuals of all abilities with community living opportunities, employment, day services, clinical, crisis, education, after-school  and other supports. Mr. Budd joined FREE in 1985 and, since that time, has been instrumental in expanding FREE  from an annual budget of $1 million, serving forty-five individuals, to becoming one of the largest, most impactful, not-for-profits on Long Island with an operating budget of $150 million that provides services to over 35,000 individuals annually.

Mr. Budd is responsible for numerous innovative proposals that have led FREE to achieve great success, most notably the Network structure that molds the uniqueness and flexibility of distinct smaller organizations with the efficiencies and strength of a larger Network.  Along with his co-leader, Dr. Christopher Long, Mr. Budd assisted FREE is thriving throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, creating significant job opportunities for individuals who are disabled, and establishing state-of-the art support services for those struggling with mental health, all while keeping valued team members and individuals as safe as possible throughout the unknown territories of a global pandemic.

Mr. Budd is actively involved with many human service agencies that support people who are differently abled, with developmental and other disabilities. He continues to serve in numerous leadership roles on varied advocacy boards, both regionally and nationally. Mr. Budd currently sits on the Board for American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), is the Board’s past President, and was inducted into the 2018 ANCOR Foundation Legacy Leaders Circle. The Legacy Leaders Circle recognizes ANCOR members who have made significant contributions to ANCOR and the broader disability and provider community during their tenure as an ANCOR member. As a champion for the underserved, Mr. Budd also serves on the boards of New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation (New York Alliance), Interagency Council of Developmental Disabilities Agencies, Inc. (IAC), Long Island Select Healthcare, Inc. (LISH), Alliance of Long Island Agencies, Inc. (ALIA), New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), and the ACA/NY Advance Care Alliance.

Mr. Budd is recognized for his unique and impactful leadership style. When not leading FREE or advocating for regional/ national change to enhance the lives of differently abled individuals, Mr. Budd dedicates his time to consulting, speaking, and training other human service providers. Mr. Budd is pleased to utilize his certification as an A.M.A and Covey facilitator to support colleagues in personal and professional growth. Mr. Budd is dedicated to coaching future leaders and is an Adjunct Professor in Stony Brook University’s School of Professional Development. Mr. Budd has been asked to share his insight on various news networks and was one of the industry leaders on a panel at the State of The Not-For-Profit Industry hosted by Long Island Business News.

Mr. Budd holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the State University of New York at Potsdam and a Master of Professional Studies in psychology from Long Island University, CW Post. Mr. Budd is also in the process of becoming certified Executive Coach through the College of Executive Coaching.