The Brien Center Appoints New CBHC Division Director

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center announced the appointment of Lindsay Morin Ciepiela, LICSW, as the organization's new Community Behavioral Health Center (CBHC) Division Director. 
 
Lindsay joins The Brien Center with experience in behavioral health program development and leadership. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Outpatient Services at the Center for Human Development (CHD), where she worked for many years. In that role, she led the successful implementation of CHD's CBHC program, which included mobile crisis intervention and crisis stabilization services. She also played a key role in launching six behavioral health urgent care centers, significantly expanding access to critical mental health services across the region.
 
A Pittsfield resident, Lindsay, is looking forward to serving the community she calls home. She brings not only a wealth of professional experience, but also a deep personal commitment to the region.
 
"We are excited to welcome Lindsay to The Brien Center," said Diana L. Knaebe, President and CEO. "Her expertise in crisis services, program implementation, and outpatient leadership will strengthen our CBHC model and expand access to timely, community-based behavioral health care. Lindsay's local roots and dedication to this community make her an ideal fit for this role."
 
Lindsay shared her enthusiasm for the new position.
 
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join The Brien Center and contribute to an organization so deeply committed to behavioral health,"she said. "I look forward to sharing what I've learned throughout my career and learning from my new colleagues as we work together to serve Berkshire County."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates. 

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit.  CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more. 

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said. 

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years." 

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1. 

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is." 

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations.  Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories