BFAIR Champions Brain Injury Awareness Month

Katrina Cardillo • July 16, 2025

March was Brain Injury Awareness Month, and BFAIR proudly joined the national movement to amplify advocacy, raise awareness, and support individuals impacted by brain injury.

As part of this year’s theme—“My Brain Injury Journey”—BFAIR participated alongside more than 400 advocates from across the country to push for the reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Act. While last year’s efforts stalled, our determination never wavered. Advocates called on Congress to increase funding for key programs, including:

TBI models of care
The CDC’s TBI research and support programs
ACL’s State Partnership and Protection & Advocacy Program

These vital programs aim to recognize brain injury as a chronic condition, advocating for lifelong services and support. We also pushed for renewed leadership and participation in the Congressional Brain Injury Taskforce, urging new champions to carry this important work forward.

In addition, BFAIR attended the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIAMA) Annual Conference, where we hosted an exhibitor table to connect with professionals, advocates, and families. It was a valuable opportunity to share our services and strengthen our commitment to supporting people with brain injuries across the Commonwealth.

At BFAIR, we know that brain injury doesn’t stop—and neither do we. Thank you to everyone who joined us in this critical work.

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By Katrina Cardillo • August 18, 2026

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 BFAIR Names Theresa Denette, MBA, as Chief Operating Officer Tues. Aug. 18, 2026 (North Adams, MA) — BFAIR announced today that Theresa Denette, MBA, has been named the organization's permanent Chief Operating Officer (COO), following her tenure in the role on an interim basis since earlier this year. The appointment reflects Denette's proven leadership and the confidence BFAIR's board and executive team have in her ability to guide the organization's operations going forward. Denette has spent nearly 25 years with BFAIR, steadily advancing from Assistant Program Director to a series of senior leadership roles spanning Day Services, Quality Assurance, Clinical Services, and agency-wide Operations. Throughout her career, she has been a driving force behind program growth, operational quality, and organizational innovation. "Theresa has proven, time and again, that she is the right person for this role," said Randall Kinnas, Chief Executive Officer. "Her deep institutional knowledge, steady leadership, and genuine dedication to the individuals and families we serve have already made a real impact across our organization. I'm confident that with Theresa in this position permanently, BFAIR is exceptionally well-positioned for continued growth and excellence in the years ahead." Denette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Westfield State College, an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources from Fitchburg State University. She serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and is a member of the McCann Business Technology Advisory Board. She lives in Clarksburg with her husband and children. ###