News

April 21, 2016

Berkshire Farm Center Names Jim Dennis as New Chief Executive

The Berkshire Farm Center Board of Directors has appointed Jim Dennis, a seasoned leader with more than 30 years of experience in child welfare, as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state-wide youth services agency. Dennis, who served as Interim CEO since the Nov. 2 retirement of Timothy Giacchetta, took the helm officially Monday, April 18.

“Jim Dennis brings the right combination of experience, vision, and an intimate knowledge of New York, to lead Berkshire Farm Center,” said Robert Kandel, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Organizations that serve children and families are undergoing tremendous change. Mr. Dennis will provide Berkshire with the leadership it needs to continue its 130-year track record of helping youth and families learn the skills they need to be successful.”

Dennis started with Berkshire Farm Center in 1985 and rose through the ranks to become chief program officer, the position he held when he took on the role of Interim CEO. He has worked as a detention counselor, prevention family specialist, special services coordinator, district supervisor, regional director, deputy director, and Vice President of Community Programs. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Empire State College in Saratoga Springs and master’s degree in educational counseling from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to lead Berkshire,” Dennis said. “Berkshire has outstanding staff and well-deserved reputation for providing high quality programs to the youth and families we serve. Child welfare and family services has entered an era of dramatic change. I look forward to partnering with our staff and stakeholders to navigate these changes and lead Berkshire to becoming known as a state and national leader that provides highly effective, compassionate care.”