FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Brien Center Announces New President and Chief Executive Officer
Pittsfield, MA – July 1, 2024 – The Brien Center, the leading provider of behavioral health services in Berkshire County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Diana L. Knaebe, MSW, as its new President and CEO effective July 1, 2024.
Diana brings over 35 years of experience in the behavioral healthcare sector, holding key leadership positions across various renowned organizations. Her impressive track record includes leading non-profit and governmental organizations and serving on the board of a national behavioral health networking organization. She served as President of Memorial Behavioral Health and System Administrator of Behavioral Health at Memorial Health System in Springfield, Illinois. Additionally, she has held significant roles such as the State Director of the Illinois Division of Mental Health and President/CEO of Heritage Behavioral Health Center in Decatur, IL. Diana’s career began as a therapist in her home state of Michigan, where she and the organizations she led received numerous state and national awards for excellence in behavioral health.
Current President and CEO Chris Macbeth, who announced her retirement last December, expressed confidence in Diana’s leadership. “I am delighted to welcome Diana to the Brien Center. Our Board conducted a nationwide search and Diana’s extensive background in behavior health leadership will be a great help as the Brien Center continues its mission in our community”
Linda Febles, Board Chair at The Brien Center, also shared her enthusiasm for Diana’s appointment, “Diana is known for being a sound manager, an innovative leader, and a courageous change agent. She is a strong communicator who works cooperatively with various stakeholders to find common ground and reach consensus. Diana leverages her expertise in servant leadership, strategic organization development, and systems thinking to provide vision and leadership for comprehensive, effective systems.”
Diana shared her excitement about joining The Brien Center, “I am excited and honored to take this leadership role with The Brien Center. The unwavering passion and dedication of the Board and staff, the longevity of your services, and your organizational pride are a testament to the high-quality, caring nature of The Brien Center. I am deeply impressed by The Brien Center, and my husband and I envision a fulfilling professional and personal life enriched by the beautiful Berkshires and the remarkable community that is The Brien Center.”
For more information, please contact:
Victoria May
Director of Marketing
The Brien Center
Phone: 413.629.1247
Email: Victoria.may@thebriencenter.org
About The Brien Center: The Brien Center is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive behavioral health services to Berkshire County residents. Through community-based services, The Brien Center promotes the highest possible degree of recovery, independence, and quality of life for those served. The organization strives to provide access and support to meet the behavioral health needs of individuals of all ages, races, and cultures, offering culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Brien Center serves nearly 10,000 individuals annually.