Steve Towler is the vice president for Programs and Business Development at AHRC New York City chapter (New York State Association of Regional Councils, Inc.). He has over 35 years of experience developing employment and training programs for people with disabilities and at-risk youth. He has a master’s degree in psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY). Towler directs programs throughout all five boroughs of New York City and is primarily responsible for Employment and Business Services and Camping/Recreation Services.

Towler’s expertise in diversifying private and government funding streams for nonprofits has played a major role in successfully managing a diverse portfolio of highly effective and profitable departments, ranging from employment to mental healthcare, with over $70 million in annual revenue. He also founded the Employment and Business Services (EBS) department, a venture that started with supporting one individual in the Bronx and grew to become New York State’s leading disability employment program. EBS now creates opportunities for over 2,000 New Yorkers with disabilities throughout the five boroughs each year and advances people with significant needs in both the developmental disability and mental health spaces.

Towler has worked very closely with the New York City schools and other community stakeholders to assist in developing very creative pathways from school to work for individuals transitioning out of the New York City school system. The most recent development is operating five Project Search Programs throughout New York City, supporting over 60 high school students with intellectual/developmental disability (I/DD) each year to prepare for employment.

He is also highly active with various trade associations that work to assist AHRC. He is the past chairperson of the board of New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. (NYSID), an organization that helps nonprofit organizations obtain work contracts. He is also currently serving on the Board of Directors for the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation. He co-chairs the Adult Day Employment Services Committee for the Inter Agency Council (IAC).