PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Arc has named Sonja Haecker the new Chief Operating Officer.

 

Haecker has been serving as the Agency's Executive Vice President, overseeing a wide range of programs for BCArc.

 

"Sonja continues to show incredible leadership," said Maryann Hyatt, President & CEO. "She is a great motivator, demands high standards, and has great energy for advancing this agency forward. The staff and families are well-served with her as the new Chief Operating Officer."

 

Haecker's responsibilities, in collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, cover the Agency's program operations and strategic planning, along with specific areas such as Clinical Services -- Nursing & Behavioral Supports – and Community Services Programs, including Adult Family Care program, Family Support & Advocacy, Employment & Vocational Services, Day Habilitation programs, and Community-Based Day Services. 

 

Previously, Haecker was the Vice President of Community Services and the Director of Family Support & Advocacy where she expanded the Adult Family Care program, strengthened Family Support Services, and successfully spearheaded several new Agency initiatives.

 

Haecker has presented at conferences statewide and nationally and has been recognized by the Arc of Massachusetts for her Leadership in Family and Individual Supports. She is a Massachusetts Ambassador for the national initiative "Charting the LifeCourse," and serves on the Clark Art Institute Accessibility Advisory Council. 

 

She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New England, a Master's in Education from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, where she is a Distinguished Alumna, and a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the College of Saint Rose. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Social Work program at Berkshire Community College.