Canavan Named Head of N. Berkshire United Way
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Announced on Monday, Canavan is expected to assume the position on April 1, replacing Robert R. Barton, who is "stepping down to expand his consulting practice and serve the community in other ways," according to a news release.
"I'm really looking forward to being of value to people in the Northern Berkshires. The end product of the United Way is all the good work those agencies do to help the county and I can't wait to be a part of that. This is an absolute gift of a job," Canavan said.
The Northern Berkshire United Way services Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, North Adams, Williamstown and Stamford, Vt., and provides foundation funding for more than 50 programs at 23 local health and human service agencies in North Berkshire County.
Canavan has most recently worked as vice president of Soldier On, a 135-bed veteran homeless shelter based in Leeds. He was the executive director of Community Teamwork Inc. in Lowell for 10 years and was the interim executive director of Berkshire Housing Development Corp. He also serves on several boards throughout the county.
"Because I have the experience, I know what's possible. I know what these folks do and how hard they work. To work in partnership with them, it's absolutely amazing," Canavan said.
Canavan earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth and a master's in public policy from the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Public Policy at UMass at Boston. In addition, he was awarded a certificate of completion for the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
"[Canavan] has a strong background and a real passion for improving the quality of life in Northern Berkshire County through our member agencies and other targeted initiatives. Over the past nine years as executive director, [Barton] has worked tirelessly to increase the strength of Northern Berkshire United Way as a leader in community development. The board and I are confident that Jim will continue this record of achievement and contribute his own special talents," said board President John C. Law.
"Barton left a solid, solid foundation to build on," Canavan said.
Canavan said the new position affords him the opportunity to show his community what he's made of.
"I think I can be more valuable to my family and community in this role," said Canavan, who is married to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts President Mary K. Grant. "The opportunity to get my family, work and community lives all back in harmony is wonderful."
