BFAIR Appoints Theresa Denette, MBA to Interim Chief Operating Officer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Katrina Cardillo
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BFAIR
771 South Church Street
North Adams, MA 01247
413.664.9382
BFAIR Appoints Theresa Denette, MBA, as Interim Chief Operating Officer
Wed. Mar. 11, 2026 (North Adams, MA) —
BFAIR is pleased to announce the appointment of Theresa Denette, MBA, as Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO). A dedicated leader with more than two decades of service to the organization, Denette brings deep operational knowledge, program expertise, and a longstanding commitment to BFAIR’s mission of supporting individuals with disabilities and their families.
Denette began her career with BFAIR in 2001 as Assistant Program Director for the Day Habilitation Center. Shortly after joining the organization, she was promoted to Program Director, a role she held until 2010. During this time, she led program development, oversaw Individual Support Planning and implementation, and supervised and supported staff—laying the groundwork for a career defined by strong leadership and program growth.
In 2016, Denette was promoted to Director of Day Service Operations, where she oversaw the Day Habilitation Center, Community Based Day Services, Employment Services, and the newly developed ABI–Money Follows the Person (ABI-MFP) service component. Her leadership during this time was instrumental in strengthening program quality and supporting the continued growth and satisfaction of BFAIR’s Day Services.
Following an organizational management restructuring in 2018, Denette was promoted to Senior Vice President of Day Services and assumed oversight of BFAIR’s Quality Assurance department. Under her leadership, the agency advanced its technological capabilities and strengthened quality and compliance systems, helping position BFAIR for continued innovation and accountability.
In 2022, as BFAIR transitioned its Family & Individual Supports and Adult Family Care programs to a Community Service Program model, Denette’s responsibilities expanded to include guidance and oversight of those programs, Clinical Services, and the agency’s Day Service programs. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she was promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations.
“Theresa’s deep institutional knowledge, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering dedication to the individuals and families we serve make her exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said Ethel Altiery, Interim CEO. “Her experience across multiple programs and operational areas will help ensure continuity and continued excellence during this transitional period.”
Denette’s career in human services began in 1998 as a paraprofessional at Adams Memorial Middle School, where she supported students in the Special Education department and gained experience with the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Westfield State College and earned her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University in January 2022, where she received the Distinguished Scholar Award. Denette received a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Fitchburg State University in 2024.
In addition to her professional work, Denette serves as President on the Board of Directors for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and is a member of the McCann Business Technology Advisory Board. She resides in Clarksburg with her husband and children and enjoys spending her free time attending her children’s sporting events and camping with her family.
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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, Acquired Brain Injury and Autism. BFAIR is a proud member agency of the Northern Berkshire United Way and the Williamstown Community Chest.
