PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way's Board of Directors has appointed Katherine von Haefen, the organization's director of community impact, as interim president and CEO. 

 

Von Haefen, who assumes this position following the departure of Thomas Bernard, will retain her current responsibilities. The appointment is effective immediately and will continue to be interim while the board assesses the ongoing needs of the organization. 

 

"Our community impact work is at the heart of our mission to build a community where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive, and Katherine's work in this area has been exemplary," said board Chair Krystle Blake. "With Katherine leading the way, Berkshire United Way will continue to do what we've done best for 100 years — understanding what our neighbors need most and bringing together community leaders, corporate partners, legislators and nonprofits to implement solutions that amplify our impact." 

 

Von Haefen joined BUW as director of community impact in October 2021. In this role, she develops and leads region-wide convenings on topics including early childcare and early childhood education, food security and more. She also leads BUW's $1 million annual investment strategy for Berkshire nonprofits and played an integral role in developing the organization's current strategic plan.  

 

"Half of the people in our county work full time or more and still struggle to make ends meet," she said. "I look forward to collaborating with our board, staff and community partners to implement solutions that really move the needle." 

 

She serves on Pittsfield's Preschool Partnership Leadership Committee, the Massachusetts Early Childhood Funders Collaborative Steering Committee, and the board of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center.

 

Von Haefen brings a wealth of relevant experience to the job and provides important continuity to the organization's current efforts. She came to BUW following a 20-plus year career at United Way of Greater Houston (UWGH), where she served as mission and strategy manager. During her tenure at there, von Haefen provided strategic leadership for United Way Bright Beginnings, a comprehensive early childhood improvement initiative, and Houston's Kids, a citywide after-school collaboration. She also was the lead public policy advocate for the organization in Austin. She is passionate about working with nonprofits and helping to activate positive systems change for vulnerable members of our community. 

 

Before moving to Texas, von Haefen worked with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Family Services and with a domestic violence organization in London, England. She earned a bachelor's degree from Ithaca (N.Y.) College and a master's in social work from the University of Houston.