OAK BLUFFS, MA (July 8, 2020) – The Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) board of directors announces that Elizabeth Folcarelli, the current chief operating officer at Gosnold, Inc., will become chief executive officer in early August 2020. The unanimous selection by the board followed a strategic search process of several months complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Folcarelli will succeed Julie Fay, the current executive director, who announced her retirement last fall. In her seven-year tenure, Fay oversaw significant service and budget expansion and launched a $24-million capital campaign to rebuild the aging campus to serve more Islanders.
The announcement was made to the staff and key stakeholders this morning, with plans underway to introduce the new CEO not only to the staff, board members and volunteers at MVCS, but to the broader Island community.
“This was a formidable assignment to find a skilled and visionary new leader, made even more challenging by the arrival of a pandemic,” said board chair Robert Egerton. “I want to salute the work of our transition committee—their recommendation of Beth was met with unanimous enthusiasm by the board. There are challenges ahead, from meeting our clients’ needs under the cloud of COVID-19 to completing the overdue rebuilding of our aging campus. Still, thanks to Julie, Beth will lead an organization that over seven years has seen unprecedented growth, accomplishment and expanded services to the Island community.”
Elizabeth “Beth” Folcarelli, Ph.D., brings nearly 30 years’ experience in community-based nonprofit organizations, with specialization in behavioral healthcare, youth and family services, and elder care. Prior to assuming her new role as chief executive officer for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services, Folcarelli served as chief operating officer for Gosnold, Inc. in Falmouth, MA, chief executive officer for Youth Opportunities Upheld, Inc. in Worcester, MA, and chief operating officer for Fellowship Health Resources, Inc., a national nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization with headquarters in Lincoln, RI.
With a strong background in quality and risk management, strategic business development, and organizational advancement, Folcarelli brings an extensive range of expertise in developing and leading programs for vulnerable children, adults, and families. Working collaboratively with state organizations, private funders, and behavioral health experts down the eastern seaboard – from Maine to North Carolina –Folcarelli has been instrumental to bringing about and sustaining high-quality mental health and addiction recovery services to youth, adults, and their communities.
“I’m thrilled to join Martha’s Vineyard Community Services at this critical moment in its 60-year history,” said Folcarelli, 56, currently of Falmouth. “The enormous impact of COVID-19 has challenged all of us, but it also presents an opportunity to further strengthen and expand the organization’s innovative and entrepreneurial model of care. Falmouth and Gosnold have given me a birds-eye view of both the Island and the talented staff, and I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves, lay down stakes on the Vineyard and listen with an open heart and mind.”
Julie Fay will retire on July 31st, leaving an organization that is stronger and nimbler due to her leadership and collaborative approach. “Beth’s background and experience are outstanding, and just the right mix to take MVCS into the next phase of service and growth,” said Fay. “It’s been an incredible seven years and I’m so proud of our staff and volunteers.”
During Fay’s tenure, MVCS has nearly doubled its revenue (from $5.2M to $10M annually) by competing for and securing more long-term state contracts and adding critical programs like the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, the Island Intervention Center, and the recently opened Peer Recovery Support Center. All of these programs were designed and built in partnership with other Island nonprofits including Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, the YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard, Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools and local law enforcement. Finally, she was instrumental in securing funding from all six Island towns for three key programs for Martha’s Vineyard seniors.
MV Community Services employs more than 120 staff members and delivers a wide array of programs and services, including behavioral health and substance use disorder programs; early childhood programs, including Head Start, childcare and family support; sexual and domestic violence education and counseling; and programs for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. The organization also runs the Chicken Alley Thrift Shop in Vineyard Haven.
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About MV Community Services:
We are clinicians and social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, case workers, teachers and volunteers. Embracing community in collaboration with police and primary care physicians, the hospital and Island schools. People who share our belief in the worth and dignity of all. Every day we commit our unique experience, expertise and compassion to help our entire community be as vibrant, strong and healthy as it can be. When together we answer the call our community thrives. Learn more at www.mvcommunityservices.org.