Brien Center Promotes Adult Community Clinical Supports Division Director

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced the promotion of Meri-Ellen Morgans, MSW, to Division Director of the Adult Community Clinical Supports (ACCS) Program. 
 
With more than 30 years of experience in clinical social work and mental health administration, Morgans brings leadership, expertise, and compassion to this role.
 
As Division Director, Morgans oversees an array of recovery-focused programs designed to support adults with significant mental health challenges across Berkshire County. She leads multidisciplinary teams, guides clinical best practices, and ensures compliance with state standards while fostering collaboration with partners, including the Department of Mental Health and Berkshire Medical Center.
 
"Meri-Ellen has long been a pillar of our clinical team," said Paul Hickling, Senior Vice President, Service Operations at the Brien Center. "Her promotion reflects her deep commitment to client-centered care, staff development, and the mission of our agency."
 
In addition to her full-time leadership responsibilities, Morgans serves as a Medical Social Worker (per diem) with HospiceCare of the Berkshires, where she provides end-of-life information and grief support, including leading holiday bereavement groups for families navigating loss.
 
Morgans is also a long-time Adjunct Field Instructor, having mentored social work interns from institutions such as SUNY Albany, Boston College, Simmons College, Smith College, Westfield State University, Boston University, and the University of New England.
 
Morgans previously held roles at the Brien Center, including Assistant Division Director, Program Director, Program Manager, and Program Supervisor. She also served as Interim Division Director of Community Services, where she oversaw multiple clinical programs and helped prepare the agency for key regulatory reviews.
 
She holds a Master of Social Work from Adelphi University and a Bachelor of Science from Pace University.
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Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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