STAATSBURG – The Anderson Center for Autism plans to hold its annual gala on Saturday, October 3rd at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie. The 2020 gala theme is “Year of the DSP (Direct Support Professional)”. Two local community leaders employed by Central Hudson, John Maserjian and Paul Colbert, will be honored with the V.V. Anderson Community Service Award for their volunteer service over the years.
Honoree Paul Colbert has been Associate General Counsel, Regulatory Affairs for Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation since 2010, representing the Company before the New York State Public Service Commission. In this position, Colbert also has regulatory responsibility for matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the Internal Revenue Service, and other regulatory agencies. Colbert also manages outside counsel relationships as appropriate. His extensive career has included roles as a regulatory attorney at Jones Day, Duke Energy Corporation, and the State of Ohio, Office of Attorney General Public Utilities Section. In addition to serving on the Board of Anderson Center for Autism, he has served on the Boards of People Working Cooperatively and Chelsea Condominium Owners’ Association. A graduate of The Ohio State University (BA Economics, Political Science minor), Colbert earned his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law and Graduate Center. He is a past member of the Board of the Dutchess County Jewish Federation and the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club, where he served three terms as President; he also serves on the Finance Committee for Vassar Temple.
John Maserjian is Director of Media Relations with Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. He began his career with the utility in 1992 as an Energy Marketing Specialist and has been with their Corporate Communications group since 1999. Prior to Central Hudson, Maserjian worked at his family’s photography business in Poughkeepsie and as a Staff Economist at the United States Postal Service in Washington, D.C. A graduate of Arlington High School, Maserjian lives in his hometown of Poughkeepsie with wife Gina. He earned an undergraduate degree from Vassar College, and an MBA from the University of Virginia. In addition to volunteer work with Anderson Center for Autism, Maserjian has also served the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum, United Way, Heart Association, Greystone Programs, Vassar College, and Junior Achievement.
Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director at Anderson Center for Autism said “It is our great privilege to honor Paul Colbert and John Maserjian, who have served as Anderson Center for Autism and Anderson Foundation for Autism Trustees and committee members. We are also grateful to their employer, Central Hudson, who has supported their volunteer efforts every step of the way. John and Paul have both shared tremendous expertise and heart with our organization over the years, each playing an instrumental role in bringing our mission to life.”
Reflected Colbert, “Serving as a Trustee for Anderson Center for Autism has provided me with the opportunity to support a best-in-class organization, helping to improve and maintain its services for those impacted by Autism. We are fortunate to work with Anderson’s outstanding staff, headed by Patrick Paul, and the Trustees, each of whom brings commitment, expertise, and heart to Anderson. Anderson Center for Autism, as a major employer, is also an important contributor to the economic development wellbeing of the Hudson Valley. I am honored, with John Maserjian and Central Hudson, to gain this recognition from Anderson Center for Autism and look forward to working with the Anderson team in the coming years.”
Added Maserjian, “Anderson Center for Autism has shown me the true value of serving from the heart. The Center staff, leadership and board are like no other, committed to a very special group of people in every way. It’s been my privilege to be affiliated with such an outstanding organization, and I am truly humbled by this honor.”
With approximately 900 employees, Anderson Center for Autism offers educational, residential, vocational, and clinical services for approximately 500 individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
