Bashevkin Leaving After 29 Years With Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
 NBCC Executive Director Alan Bashevkin, seen here after being presented the Downing Award, is stepping down after 29 years leading the coalition. |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The founder of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is stepping down after nearly 30 years of leading the agency.
"It's time," Executive Director Alan Bashevkin said on Wednesday, shortly after the announcement. "I've been thinking about this for a year, and really talking to the board about it for awhile. This is not a surprise to anyone here.
"It's time to let the world know changes are coming."
In the announcement, the board of directors, under Chairwoman Courtney Shapiro-Van Dusen, has enlisted the services of Executive Transitions Program of Third Sector New England, to aid in the search for a new executive leader. Transition consultant Nancy Jackson will lead this process with the NBCC's nine-member transition team.
Bashevkin anticipates staying on through the end of the fiscal year in June as the budget for the next year is set and the board goes through its nominations and elections. And he'll work with transition team to ensure a smooth transfer of leadership.
He's not sure what's next but he will take some time for himself and his family.
"I'm going to look for new challenges," he said. "It's time to try something different."
Bashevkin expects his 29 years of experience in leading the collaborative community agency will stand him in good stead as he pursues other options.
He was there at the founding of what was then the Northern Berkshire Health and Human Services Coalition in 1986. It was established in the wake of the closure of Sprague Electric Co., which dealt a nearly fatal blow to the area's economy.
"Al is more than a good citizen. He's a community champion," said District Attorney David Capeless in presenting the Gerard D. Downing Award to Bashevkin last year.
The agency from its beginnings has focused on collaboration and empowering community members to take action to make their lives better.
"The Coalition way is to build it with others," Bashevkin said at the agency's 20th anniversary event. "It may take a bit longer,it may be a bit more difficult, but it's better for people to build it themselves than have it built for them."
NBCC has promoted initiatives to strengthen neighborhoods and community health, support social agencies and parents, and encourage volunteerism and empower youth. The goal is to provide a healthy and supportive community for children to grow up in.
"I've outlasted a lot of people ... but I'm not just one person here," he said on Wednesday. "This is a wonderful way of doing business in the community and we do it with a great staff."
Tags: NBCC, resignation,
