Bridge of Central Mass. names new CEO

Kenneth J. Bates

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The Bridge of Central Massachusetts, a Worcester-based human services provider, has a new leader: Kenneth J. Bates, who has moved over from the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Bates was executive director of new business and financial growth at Commonwealth Medicine, part of the medical school. He succeeds Executive Director Barent Walsh, who will stay on as executive director emeritus and senior clinical consultant for The Bridge, according to a statement from the organization, which serves people with mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries and complex family problems.

Bates was previously vice president of behavioral health at Advocates in Framingham and director of outpatient services at Spectrum Health Systems in Worcester. He’s a Worcester native and holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College, along with a bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University.

In prior roles, Bates developed new community programs serving multiple populations and demonstrated knowledge and passion for organizational change that can improve service delivery. He has also developed programs that meet community needs and build community relationships, according to Charles O’Neill, chairman of the board for The Bridge.

“Ken has both the vision and ability to lead The Bridge into new areas of care,” O’Neill said in a statement. O’Neill added that the board “continues to be committed to growing The Bridge” in size and reputation. “We believe that Ken is the person who can lead us into that future.”