CANTON -- Brasher Falls native Doris Chenier has retired after 27 years of service as executive director of Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country (CPNC).

Chenier was replaced Jan. 1 by Anne Richey, who previously served as associate director.

Chenier began her career with the agency in 1986 as the supervisor of case workers. At the time the agency employed about nine people and was a division of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State.

Chenier previously served as a senior caseworker with the Physically Handicap Children's program at the St. Lawrence County Department of Social Services.

In 1987 CPNC became certified by the state Department of Health as a diagnostic and treatment center and opened part-time clinics in Franklin and Clinton counties.

In 1998 founding director Lorraine Laurin retired and Chenier took over as director. At that time the agency employed approximately 130. Now the agency employs nearly 600 employees.

In 2002 CPNC became an affiliate of Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, with its own board of directors.

“The mission of CP of the North Country has always been to meet the needs of the community, be it social or health. This is the legacy Lorraine Laurin left as executive director of the agency. I have tried to continue that legacy and I know that it will go on as the baton is passed to Anne Richey, my successor. It has been a privilege for me to have been a part of CPNC and to have worked with such wonderful staff who have made it all possible,” said Chenier.

“Doris has been a pleasure to work with and learn from. She exemplifies the philosophy of our organization, leading the way with compassion and genuine concern for others. Everyone that knows and worked with her has been able to take away a different point of view of helping others. I know whatever she is involved with in her retirement will make a huge difference in someone’s life; I know she has affected my life. Thank you Doris. Anne Richey is another dynamic person and we are fortunate to have her years of experience to lead the organization into the future,” said Michael diVincenzo, board president.

Anne Richey, a Harrisville native and longtime resident of Canton, along with her husband John and son Benjamin, plans to continue the road to growth, as did Laurin and Chenier.

Richey earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam.

She joined CP of the North Country in 1985 and has served as the associate director since 2004.

“I have had the privilege of learning under the leadership of both Doris Chenier and Lorraine Laurin, as CP of the North Country has grown over the years to serve the needs of the community. The organization cares deeply about not only the services we provide, but our employees as well. I am grateful to our Board of Directors for its support and our employees for their dedication. I look forward to continuing the mission of CP of the North Country with them,” said Richey.

CPNC serves individuals with developmental disabilities in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties.

For more call 386-1165 or visit www.cpnorthcountry.org.