News
February 1, 2016Northern Rivers CEO Announces Upcoming Retirement
Northern Rivers Family of Services announced today that the organization’s CEO, John Henley, has decided to retire on June 30, 2016.
Henley has dedicated more than 35 years to supporting children and families, and is a mentor to many in the family services, child welfare, and special education fields. His tenure at Northern Rivers began in 2010 as the CEO of Northeast Parent & Child Society. In 2012, he was named CEO of Parsons Child & Family Center, and in July 2014 named CEO of Northern Rivers Family of Services, the parent company of Northeast and Parsons. Since that time, John has focused on providing a comprehensive scope of services to meet the ever-changing needs of the children, adults and families the 1,300-strong Workforce of Northeast, Parsons, and Northern Rivers collectively serve.
“We have been so fortunate to have John’s expertise during a key time in the establishment and growth of our organization,” says Kimberleigh Phelan, chair, Northern Rivers Board of Directors. “John is a strong leader who led us through the affiliation and continues to bring us through the next chapter of caring for the children, adults and families we serve. The board of directors and executive leadership team are extremely grateful for all he has accomplished over the past five years. He will be missed.”
“I have truly enjoyed the past five years as part of this dynamic organization, and I look forward to watching continued progress,” Henley states. “I will continue to support the board and leadership team as they search for a new leader who will help us continue delivering the care we have provided together for more than 300 combined years.”
Henley brought extensive leadership experience to Northern Rivers. He served as executive director of Elmcrest Children’s Center in Syracuse for 13 years, and as executive director of the Cayuga Home for Children in Auburn for more than a decade. He also held leadership positions in special education, including the Hillside Children’s Center in Rochester. Henley received his undergraduate degree at Le Moyne College and earned a graduate degree in Special Education from Syracuse University.
The Northern Rivers board of directors has begun a formal search for John’s replacement. Applications and nominations for the CEO position will be accepted until March 1, 2016. Applicants should forward a statement of interest, CV or resume, and the names of three references to Julie.card@northernrivers.org .
