PROVIDENCE – The Tides Family Services board of directors has named Beth Bixby as the new chief executive officer, making her the second person to lead the agency since Brother Michael Reis created it in 1983, as well as the first female CEO of a youth and family organization in the Lasallian District of Eastern North America.
Over the past 50 years, the Brothers of the Christian Schools have seen an increase in the number of women engaged in the mission. As noted in the Lasallian publication Circular 451: Associated for the Lasallian Mission: An Act of Hope, “The participation of women in the Lasallian network is essential. Their presence, undoubtedly, will help to construct a more humane and community-centered society; help to re-examine ways of thinking; help to situate the entire Lasallian world a bit differently in history and help to organize social, political, economic and religious life in a way that can be more intuitive relational.”
“I am delighted to see Beth leading an organization that is clearly so near and dear to my heart,” Reis said. “During the past 17 years, she’s clearly demonstrated to me and to everyone she’s worked with her exceptional leadership abilities as well as her unparalleled dedication to the children and families we serve. She began her career with us working directly with families. She understands what is needed to continue our services. Her experience is just what Tides needs in the next chapter of our history.”
Reis, the first to lead the agency, has been named chief visionary officer as Tides Family Services celebrates its 35th year serving children at risk, promoting family preservation and maintenance of youth within their communities through individual, family and group counseling; home visitations; educational and court advocacy; and the networking of social services.
Reis founded Tides Family Services in 1983 when he recognized that families benefit the most from services that are delivered in their homes, in their own environment. Since then, he has expanded services throughout Rhode Island. Today, Tides is an $8 million organization with 140 staff. Tides serves more than 500 high-risk youth and families in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, West Warwick, and recently opened an office in Middletown, serving clients statewide.
“Brother Michael is a celebrity in the local nonprofit community,” Bixby said. “He’s what we call a ‘visionary beyond borders’ and his passion for Rhode Island’s most vulnerable families guides our every decision. I am thrilled to have him remain in a crucial part of our work as chief visionary officer.”
Bixby was born and raised in Coventry, where she lives today with her husband, Joe, and their two children. She received a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Rhode Island. She also has a master’s degree in social work from Syracuse University.
During her 17 years at Tides Family Services, Bixby has held critical positions as clinical supervisor, director of home-based therapeutic services, assistant vice president, and senior vice president of treatment programs. Since 2015, she has served as the chief operating officer.
Bixby is a member of the executive committee of the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families, past co-chair of the membership practice committee, co-chair of the workforce development committee and is on the planning committee for the Lasallian National Huether Conference. She has been a national presenter at the Huether Conference as well as many others. Bixby is also a graduate of the first graduating class of the Next Generation Lasallian Leaders.
“I feel honored and privileged to accept this important position to honor the past 35 years of incredible growth under the leadership of Brother Michael,” Bixby said. “I have personally seen him break barriers and honor the traditions of the founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Saint John Baptist de La Salle. I am committed to building off the Christian Brothers’ foundation and I am excited to take the organization into its next chapter.”
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.
