RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA, April 10, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- C. Thomas Cook has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Cook, an esteemed professional with over 40 years of experience in serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), currently serves as the executive director of the San Gabriel Valley Residential Facility in La Puente, California. His decision to join the organization was driven by his passion for serving individuals with I/DD and his desire to work alongside The Roland Center's executive director Dr. Thomas J. Buckley, an internationally recognized expert in dementia care for individuals with I/DD. In his current role, which he assumed in January 2024, Mr. Cook is working with Dr. Buckley to develop a national best practice model for dementia care for individuals with I/DD.

Mr. Cook's career is marked by significant roles and accomplishments that have shaped his expertise and influence in the industry. His professional journey previously included serving as the executive director of Ability Network of Delaware from 2014 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in passing the McNesby Act. This legislation secured $100 million in combined state and federal funding for vital services in Delaware over a five-year period, representing a substantial 60% increase in funding for the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services. As a result of these funding increases, service providers in Delaware were able to grant significant pay increases to Direct Support Professionals.

Before joining the Ability Network of Delaware, Mr. Cook was a senior consultant with Johnston, Villegas-Grubbs, & Associates from 2004 to 2015 and the executive director of rehabilitation for Wisconsin in Action between 2008 and 2014. His earlier roles included working as an executive director at Children's Mental Health Services/REACH Inc. from 2007 to 2008; as senior consultant at HCBS Strategies between 2004 and 2008; and as the chief executive officer at Thomas Cook & Associates between 2004 and 2007. Earlier in his career, Mr. Cook found success in various positions at Dungarvin, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, and EP!C (Formerly the Peoria Arc), dating back to 1984.

Throughout his extensive career, Mr. Cook also served on various boards and associations. He was a member of the board of directors for the Wisconsin Long-Term Care Workforce Alliance from 2010 to 2012, the American Congress of Community Supports and Employment Services (ACCSES) between 2010 and 2016, and the State Use Program Association from 2017 to 2020.

Mr. Cook's career began with a solid academic foundation, including a Bachelor of Science in education in 1980, a specialist's degree in psychological services, a master's degree in psychology, and a bachelor's degree in education from Central Michigan University in 1987. He stays active in ACCSES as the chair of the Advisory Council.

Throughout his career, Mr. Cook has been recognized for his dedication and contributions to the field. He has received several awards, including the Advocate of the Year Award and an Outstanding Service Award from ACCSES. He also received a Distinguished Service Award from the Catholic Charities Bureau and was honored with a Delaware House of Representatives tribute.

Mr. Cook's career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to enhancing services for individuals with I/DD. His leadership, expertise, and collaborative spirit continue to impact the lives of many within this community. Looking toward the future, Mr. Cook envisions working with Dr. Buckley to raise nationwide awareness about the challenges faced by older individuals with I/DD who are dealing with dementia and developing adequate support systems for them.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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