O'Hara Retires From Westchester Institute for Human Development

From the Westchester Institute For Human Development

VALHALLA, NY — Dr. David O’Hara celebrated his retirement from WIHD with a virtual celebration of family, friends, and colleagues from around the world last week.

Dr. O’Hara has been with WIHD since 1987 and retired at the end of 2020. During his time at WIHD, he held many roles, most recently as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). He also contributed to several national and global committees, conferences, research, and presentations. Dr. O’Hara was instrumental in bringing Child Welfare Services under the WIHD umbrella, establishing groundbreaking programs in assistive technology, and demonstrating the value of telehealth for people with disabilities.

“Dr. O’Hara’s influence and impact is wide; spanning not just the United States but internationally,” said Susan Fox, President and CEO of WIHD. “Throughout his career he made a huge impact on the lives of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and vulnerable children and his legacy will live on in the work of WIHD.”

Dr. O’Hara resides in Pleasantville, NY with his wife, Dr. Andy Bacon, and their beloved dog, Harry.

Westchester Institute for Human Development

As one of 67 University Centers of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities and vulnerable children through professional education, direct service provision, and innovative research. For over 45 years, WIHD has been a key regional resource providing a wide range of medical, dental, clinical and social services to individuals with disabilities, vulnerable children, families and professionals throughout Westchester County and the Lower Hudson Valley. At WIHD, everything we do is guided by our vision of a future in which all people, including people with disabilities and vulnerable children, live healthy and productive lives as full members of society. For more information, go to www.wihd.org.