SPRINGFIELD, September 9th—The Center for Human Development (CHD) announced today that its Board of Directors has begun planning for the eventual succession of longtime President and CEO Jim Goodwin, who has shared his intention to retire following a thoughtful leadership transition. Goodwin, whose career in human services spans five decades, including more than 20 years as CHD’s President and CEO, will continue to lead the organization fully throughout the search and transition process. No date has been established for his retirement.
CHD, one of the largest and longest-established human service providers in New England, will begin a national search for its next President and CEO. The succession planning process is intended to provide the time and continuity necessary to identify CHD’s next leader while maintaining the organization’s focus on its mission, programs, partners, and communities.
“Jim’s impact on CHD and on the human services landscape throughout western New England is extraordinary,” said Mike Williams of Longmeadow, Chair of CHD’s volunteer Board of Directors. “His leadership has been defined not only by remarkable growth, but by an enduring willingness to respond when communities and individuals have needed CHD most. As we plan for the future, Jim remains fully engaged as President and CEO, and we are fortunate to have his leadership throughout this process.”
CHD has grown into a 2,400-employee, $180 million organization under Goodwin’s leadership, with programs spanning from Orange in northern Franklin County, Massachusetts, to Waterbury in western Connecticut. Throughout his tenure, Goodwin has guided CHD’s expansion to provide services including mental health counseling for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, residential programs for mental health, the disabled and people in recovery, housing and shelter services, early intervention programs for young children needing support to reach developmental milestones, primary medical care, juvenile justice programs, foster care, and other community-based social services.
Goodwin’s leadership has also continued a tradition that has characterized CHD throughout its history: responding with creativity and determination at pivotal moments in human services. He has championed new models of care, expanded CHD’s reach and capabilities, and positioned the organization to respond to changing needs and emerging opportunities. Today, that work includes advancing a more integrated model connecting behavioral health, primary care, and social services; strengthening CHD’s use of data and technology; and continuing to invest in programs and facilities that meet the evolving needs of the people CHD serves.
“When I was supervising group homes in Springfield and Holyoke decades ago, I never imagined how broad and deep our set of services would become, from residential programming to outpatient services and now to primary care,” said Goodwin. “It has been an honor to serve our mission for so many years, and to get to know so many people and communities across Massachusetts and Connecticut. I want to express my appreciation to all who have served on our Board, and to the many wonderful colleagues who have carried CHD’s mission forward over the years.”
“There is important work ahead, and I remain fully committed to leading CHD as we continue that work,” Goodwin added. “Planning now for an eventual succession gives the Board the opportunity to be thoughtful and deliberate about CHD’s future while allowing me to continue doing the job I am privileged to do.”
The Board of Directors has retained Lindauer, a global executive search and talent advisory firm, to lead a national search for CHD’s next President and CEO. The Board will oversee the search process, with Goodwin continuing to serve as President and CEO throughout the transition.