The Association for Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP), a statewide association representing community-based human services providers, today announced that Cheryl Fasano, president and CEO of the Mental Health Association (MHA) in Springfield, and Maryann Hyatt, president and CEO of Berkshire County Arc in Pittsfield, have been elected to its Board of Directors.
“Cheryl and Maryann are respected leaders in our human services industry and strong champions for our workforce and the individuals and families supported by our members,” said ADDP President and CEO Ellen Attaliades. “They will also effectively voice the challenges experienced by providers in Western Massachusetts and advocate on behalf of their colleagues in the region.”
Fasano joined MHA in 2013 as chief financial officer and chief operating officer before becoming president and CEO. Prior to MHA, she held several leadership positions, including president and CEO, at New Hope Manor in Connecticut for 17 years. She also served as director of finance and executive director at Womanshelter/Compañeras Inc. (now Alianza) in Holyoke. Fasano earned both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration at Western New England University.
Hyatt, who has been with Berkshire County Arc for 35 years, was named president in 2022 and became CEO in 2023. She has served in nearly every area of the organization, starting in direct support roles and working her way up into management and executive leadership positions. Hyatt earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from North Adams State College (now Mass. College of Liberal Arts), and also earned a master’s degree in business administration from Bay Path University. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration from Franklin University.
About ADDP
As a prominent statewide association, the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP) represents 134 human service organizations that provide a wide range of services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, and to individuals who have brain injuries. ADDP’s mission is to promote and ensure the strength of its community-based providers so they can be successful in improving access, quality, and the value of services in the community. For more information, visit www.addp.org.