Brightway Living & Learning recently celebrated its rich history and exciting future by honoring two exemplary, long-standing champions of the community: Linda Namias and Rocco Cirigliano. Both were presented with Distinguished Service Recognition for their steadfast leadership, unwavering advocacy, and vital roles in guiding the organization into its next chapter.
The recognition highlights the incredible impact of former board members whose dedication continues to illuminate the path forward for the individuals and families Brightway supports.
Shaping the Narrative: Linda Namias
Linda Namias, Vice President of Corporate Communications at Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., was recognized for her profound impact on how the organization shares its mission with the world. Over a 28-year career spanning the financial services and healthcare sectors—including roles at Vytra Health Plans and Olsten Health Services (Gentiva)—Namias is highly skilled in brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.
Bringing that deep expertise to the nonprofit sector, Namias served on the Board of Directors from 2017 to 2025. As Chairperson of the Board’s Communication Committee and a member of the Nominations Committee, she spent nearly a decade strengthening public awareness of the organization’s vital accomplishments.
A Legacy of Leadership and Devotion: Rocco Cirigliano
The evening also celebrated Rocco Cirigliano, CPA, whose deep personal and professional ties to the organization span a quarter of a century. A highly respected public accounting professional has utilized his financial acumen to steer the organization through critical eras of growth.
Cirigliano’s extraordinary board tenure is broken into two impactful chapters: first serving from 2001 through 2015, and returning to serve again from 2017 through 2025. Throughout his 22 total years of board service, he stepped into numerous high-level leadership roles, including Treasurer, Chairperson of the Board of Directors, and member of both the Finance and Corporate Compliance Committees, as well as the Foundation Board.
For Cirigliano, the mission is profoundly personal. He is the proud father of identical triplet sons who have thrived within Brightway’s Adult Residential and Adult Day Services Programs.
Illuminating the Way Forward
The celebration of Namias and Cirigliano served as a beautiful bridge between the organization's legacy as DDI and its new horizon as Brightway Living & Learning.
"We are so grateful for the support of our board members, both former and current," said Jennifer Carpenter Low, Sr. Director of Development & Public Affairs. "Their unwavering support has been a key part of illuminating our transition forward, ensuring we continue moving all ways forward in service to our community."
