Big Brothers, Big Sisters Hires New Leader
PITTSFIELD - Raymond Ross has been hired as the new executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berkshire County.Ross comes to Big Brothers Big Sisters with 15 years experience as a senior administrator in not-for-profit organizations serving adults and children with developmental disabilities in Rhode Island and Arizona.
He replaces Kimberly Blair, executive director since 2005, who returning to the Berkshire district attorney's office.
A graduate of Rhode Island College, Ross was executive director of the Community Provider Network of Rhode Island, a trade organization whose 25 members represent organizations serving people with disabilities across Rhode Island.
Additionally, Ross worked for ARC of Blackstone Valley in Pawtucket, R.I. for more than 10 years, most recently as the director of operations and the director of residential services. He was a 10-year member and former president of the board of directors Ocean State Association of Residential Resources, serving as its vice president of governmental affairs.
For five years, Ross volunteered as a Big Brother with Big Brothers of Rhode Island. He has maintained a close relationship with his Little Brother, Duane, and his family for more than 20 years.
He was a longtime member of the Boy Scouts of America, including 18 years as an adult leader serving in a numerous positions and five as scoutmaster. During that time, Ross volunteered three times as an assistant course director for Woodbadge Leadership Development. An Eagle Scout, he was recognized twice with the District Award of Merit both in Narragansett (R.I.) Council and Theodore Roosevelt Council of Arizona.
An avid hiker and backpacker, he and his wife of 28 years, Susan, completed hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in 1989. Ross completed the trail a second time in 2004, being one of fewer than 100 people to do so according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. He is a member of Appalachian Mountain Club's 4,000-Footer of New England Club, having climbed all 65 mountains exceeding that elevation in New England and is an end-to-end hiker of Vermont's Long Trail.
He enjoys reading history, working on family genealogy, winter camping and doing home repairs. The Rosses have lived in Alaska and enjoy traveling together. They will relocating to Pittsfield in February.
Blair will work as a victim assistance advocate. She will remain on the agency's board and is organizing its annual Bowl For Kids Sake. For a team registration, to sponsor a bowling lane or to donate an item for our raffles call Blair at 413-207-1865.
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