PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 18 Degrees Board of Directors has announced that Stephanie Steed will assume the position of president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2023.  

 

Steed, a longtime employee of the agency and current vice president of programs, assumes the position following the departure of Sarah Cook, who is leaving Western Massachusetts to spend more time with family.  

 

A native of Springfield, Steed has more than three decades of experience serving children, young people, and families. She received her undergraduate degree in Spanish with a minor in sociology from Guilford College, and her master's in education with a concentration in mental health counseling from Cambridge College.

 

Her work has spanned residential and community settings in both North Carolina and Massachusetts. Since joining the agency in 2005, Steed has participated in its many milestones in her various positions, including as the interim executive director. The board says her commitment to the mission and vision of 18 Degrees has been demonstrated in her passion to make lasting change in the lives of the people served and in advocacy related to child welfare policy and practice. Her expertise was recently recognized through election to the board of the Children's League of Massachusetts.   

 

"It is impossible to articulate how fortunate 18 Degrees is to have such a capable leader in Stephanie, who is the clear choice to serve our next president and CEO," board Chair Buffy D. Lord said. "She has the passion, skills, and experience needed to lead this agency to the next level."  

 

For more information, contact Sarah Frederick, senior director of advancement, at 413-448-8281 or at sfrederick@18degreesma.org.