PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire United Way (BUW) Board of Directors has officially approved Katherine von Haefen as president and CEO.

 

She previously served as interim while continuing her role as director of Community Impact. 

 

"Katherine has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to our mission," said BUW Board Chair Krystle Blake. "Her deep understanding of community needs and her ability to bring people together to create meaningful change make her the ideal leader for this next chapter. We are thrilled to have her at the helm." 

 

Von Haefen joined BUW in October 2021 and has led region-wide initiatives focused on early childhood education, food security, and nonprofit investment. She also spearheaded BUW's $1 million annual investment strategy and played a key role in shaping the organization's strategic plan. 

 

"I'm honored to officially step into this role and continue the work we've started," said von Haefen. "Berkshire United Way has a long legacy of impact, and I'm excited to build on that foundation with our board, staff, and community partners. Together, we'll keep pushing for solutions that help every member of our community thrive." 

 

Von Haefen brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership experience, including her tenure at United Way of Greater Houston, where she led major initiatives in early childhood development and public policy advocacy. She will continue to serve on the City of Pittsfield's Preschool Partnership (CPPI) Leadership Committee, the MA Early Childhood Funders Collaborative Steering Committee, and the board of the Berkshire Area Health Education Center.