Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Names New Chief Executive Officer

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BECKET, Mass. — The Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA has named Amy Hurwitz Gutschenritter as its new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1.

Selected by the board of trustees following a six month national search, Gutschenritter will be responsible for overseeing Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA's four programs: Camp Becket, Chimney Corners Camp, Travel and Service Programs, and the Berkshire Outdoor Center. Over the next year, Gutschenritter and her senior leadership team, along with the Board of Trustees, will develop an updated strategic plan and master site plan.

Gutschenritter served most recently as interim CEO; she was on the board for 16 years, including as chair of the Board of Trustees, at Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. She will be the first female CEO in BCCYMCA's 100-plus years of existence.

"During our search for a new CEO, we looked at candidates from across the country.  Amy Gutschenritter stood out. Her energy, dedication, and vision for the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA is exactly what we are looking for in a leader," Search Committee Chair Friday Abernethy said. "Amy's understanding of the organization is deep; she is an alumna, former summer staff member, co-chaired the successful Changing Lives Campaign, and she served on the Board of Trustees for 16 years, including as Board Chair. Additionally, Amy’s children, Libby and Matthew, have collectively spent over 25 summers at the BCCYMCA as participants and leaders."



With more than 25 years of experience as a senior executive at global financial institutions, Gutschenritter has served in leadership positions in strategy, client management, operations, technology and marketing/communications.

"I am honored to lead the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA," Gutschenritter said. "Like so many others, Becket-Chimney Corners has had a meaningful impact on my life and the lives of my children. It was important to me to give back as a Board member and I now look forward to leading the team as we chart the course forward to ensure our relevance and impact for generations to come."

A graduate of Tufts University, Gutschenritter also earned her MBA from Bentley University. She enjoyed a successful career in financial services, including as head of Global Client Relations for SIX Securities Services and senior vice president, Global Operations, at State Street. In addition to her volunteer leadership roles with Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Gutschenritter is currently on the Boston Advisory Board for the Posse Foundation.


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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
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