Behan replaces James Stakenas, who retired last month after 15 years of service to MCLA.

 

Behan comes to campus with more than 20 years of executive-level administration, as well as finance, information technology and operational expertise at a variety of organizations in both the private sector and state government.

 

“All along, I’d been keeping my eye on higher education,” Behan said. “I really love the complete spectrum in running 24-hour, state campuses. I was completely enthralled with this opportunity. There’s no greater place to be than the Berkshires.”

 

Prior to arriving on campus, his most recent position was with Walden Behavioral Care Inc. of Waltham, where he served as the vice president of administration and finance, as the chief financial officer. During his time there, he doubled the business in size, cleaned up the balance sheet, and brought in additional outside investors.

 

His experience with higher education includes serving as the senior director and senior academic administrator at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, in its department of psychiatry.

 

Previous positions include those in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health as the deputy commissioner for management and budget, and the chief financial officer; as well as Davox Corporation (now Aspect Software) in Westford, where he was the director of international finance and operations.

 

Behan said he is continually impressed with MCLA students’ enthusiasm. He recently met with members of the Student Government Association (SGA).

 

“They are very much engaged and had some great questions. MCLA is a gem,” Behan said. “Being part of a vibrant campus community is everything that I expected. I’m energized from being around the student body, the faculty and the administration. I’m thrilled to be here.”

 

Behan earned his master’s degree in business administration from Suffolk University, and a bachelor of science degree in economics from Northeastern University. Behan also holds a Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License.

 

A Massachusetts native, Behan grew up in Arlington and moved to Acton in 1998, where he and his wife raised their two sons. Avid skiers, Behan and his family have owned a residence in southern Vermont for the past 14 years.