The man was named a “Partner in Progress” by one of the state’s largest autism organizations.

Brian Kremer, Executive Director of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, and Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts, at The Arc’s annual gala at the UMass Club in Boston.
Brian Kremer, Executive Director of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong, and Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts, at The Arc’s annual gala at the UMass Club in Boston. (The Arc Massachusetts)

MELROSE, MA — A resident was recognized statewide for his career work in autism advocacy.

Brian Kremer is the Executive Director of Massachusetts Advocates Standing Strong. In his role, he works with a board of leaders with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities to organize fundraising, partnerships, and awareness campaigns throughout the Commonwealth. He was one of three people named a “Partner in Progress” during the Arc of Massachusetts’s annual gala held in late March.

“Kremer was honored for his work partnering with The Arc to ensure that the voices of self-advocates are heard by the legislature. As the leader of MASS, he has created opportunities for people with IDD and autism to play a meaningful role in shaping policy,” The Arc of Massachusetts said in a statement. “The Arc is grateful for his partnership in our legislative coalition and as a sibling in our Operation House Call program, which teaches future medical professionals how to care for people with IDD and autism.”

Kremer has worked for MASS since 2019. Before that, he was in the Peace Crops where he served in multiple other countries, was a Project Manager at the Boston Center for Independent Living, and was the Director of Strategy Implementation and Engagement for Association for Autism and Neurodiversity.

MASS is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1998 with the goal of providing leadership opportunities and legislative advocacy for people with autism. The Arc has 17 local chapters and the gala serves as its largest annual fundraiser.

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“At a time when individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism face real and evolving challenges – from workforce shortages to uncertainty in public policy – we are reminded that progress has never happened by accident. It has always been driven by people willing to lead, listen, and stand alongside one another – including our Partners in Progress,” Arc CEO Maura Sullivan said. “We are honored to celebrate their contributions to our community.”

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