BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts Announce Merger Progress, Leadership Transition, and Appointment of Unified Chief Executive Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Katrina Cardillo
Senior Director of Marketing & PR
BFAIR
771 South Church Street
North Adams, MA 01247
413.664.9382
kcardillo@bfair.org
www.bfair.org
Elizabeth Filkins
Director of Development & Communications
UCP of Western Massachusetts
75 South Church Street
Suite 201
Pittsfield, MA 01201
413.442.1562 x.103
efilkins@ucpwma.org
www.ucpwma.org
BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts Announce Merger Progress, Leadership Transition, and Appointment of Unified Chief Executive Officer
June 23, 2026 (Pittsfield, MA & North Adams, MA) —
BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts today announced a significant milestone in their ongoing merger exploration, including a leadership transition that will position the combined organization for continued growth and impact in serving individuals with disabilities and their families across the region.
Following a joint agreement by the Boards of Directors of both BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts, Randy Kinnas has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. This appointment marks a pivotal step in the unification process, establishing a single, unified executive leadership structure to guide the merged entity through its next chapter.
“We are proud to move forward together under unified leadership,” said Randy Kinnas, CEO of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts. “This merger represents a shared commitment to expanding the quality and reach of services for the individuals and families we are privileged to serve. Together, we are stronger.”
Both Boards also recognize and celebrate the retirement of Ethel Altiery, who served as Interim CEO with distinction. Her steady, compassionate leadership during a critical period of transition has been invaluable to both organizations. Altiery’s guidance helped lay the foundation for the unified future that BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts now pursue.
“Ethel’s leadership during this transition has been a true gift to both organizations and to the people we serve,” said Randy Kinnas. “We are deeply grateful for her dedication, her wisdom, and her heart. We wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement.”
The merger of BFAIR and UCP of Western Massachusetts brings together two longstanding organizations with a shared mission: to support individuals with disabilities in living full, meaningful, and self-directed lives. By combining resources, expertise, and community relationships, the merged organization will be better equipped to expand services, strengthen programs, and advocate for those who depend on them.
Both Boards of Directors have approved this leadership structure as part of the broader integration plan, reflecting their confidence in a unified future that honors the legacy of both organizations while embracing new opportunities for impact.
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About BFAIR
For over thirty years, BFAIR has been providing Adult Family Care (AFC), Residential, Employment and Day Services for adults and children with developmental disabilities and Acquired Brain Injury. BFAIR is a proud member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.
About UCP of Western MA
UCP of Western Massachusetts — an affiliate of United Cerebral Palsy Association — was established in 1961. UCP offers early intervention and ABA services for children, service navigation, direct programming, assistive technology, remote supports and advocacy for any individual, regardless of disability, to pursue a fulfilling, self-determined, high-quality community life — a life without limits.
