NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — ServiceNet, a large mental health and human services agency based in Northampton and serving all four counties of western Massachusetts, recently welcomed Michael Kuta as Vice President of Strategy and Program Development.

 

Kuta comes to his new role following 16 years at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield where he gained a  portfolio of progressive management experience. Most recently, he served as the hospital's Manager of Operations for Behavioral Health and Cardiac Services, a position he assumed soon after the start of the pandemic. Prior to 2020, Kuta had been a supervisor in the Partial Hospitalization Program and before that a Behavioral Health Patient Flow Coordinator. 

 

"The scope of my work changed over the years, but the same leadership principles applied—to meet people where they are and help them do what they do best," Kuta said. "People are my specialty whether I'm providing care or leading a team."

 

Kuta's path to leadership began at Elms College in Chicopee when he shifted his major from Accounting to Psychology & Sociology before graduating in 2007. This merging of skills and interests further came together when he pursued a master's in healthcare administration while working his way toward certification as a licensed social work associate. 

 

"For me, it was all about equipping myself to work in a field that interests me, where I can meet a real need," he explained.

 

In his first month at ServiceNet, Kuta has met with leaders and staff in departments and programs across the agency to discuss what is going well, what could use tuning up, and opportunities they see for further growth, development, and community partnerships.

 

"As we continue in our strategic planning work together, it's so important to hear from people who bring a wide variety of perspectives," he said.  "Making connections and building relationships is what it's all about."