Leadership
Mike Hyland
President &
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Hyland was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2014, bringing with him 20 years of experience and a sound history of nonprofit leadership. He most recently served as the Vice President of Adult Programs at Kennedy-Donovan Center where he oversaw the comprehensive clinical models supporting adults with developmental disabilities and youth with histories of abuse, abandonment and disabilities. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and a Master of Social Work from Boston College.
As CFO, Mary is responsible for the strategic direction of the agency and finance department and ensures the initiatives are aligned with Venture’s mission. She has been an integral part of Venture since 2022 as the Senior Finance Operations Manager and Director of Finance. With over 20 years of relative experience, Mary has honed her skills across various roles. She served as an accountant for Planpow Realty and Golf Two Enterprises, held positions such as Finance Manager and Senior Credit and Collections Analyst at PTC in Needham, and as a Leasing Manager at Key Equipment Finance.
Mary holds an MBA in Finance from Boston College and a Business Management Degree from Bentley University. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively engages in community service, volunteering her time as a member of the Tantasqua School Committee and The Sturbridge Farmers Market. Mary has also held notable positions on boards such as the Sturbridge Youth Basketball Board, Sturbridge School Committee, TRYLAX Board, and Tantasqua Youth Football & Cheer Board.
Tiffany, who has been with the agency since 2002, oversees property management for the organization’s Sturbridge headquarters and day habilitation program, its day habilitation program in Leominster, and the 43 residences it operates from Western Massachusetts to suburban Boston. She also coordinates communications and technology between all of Venture’s properties. She previously worked as the Executive Assistant to the agency’s CEO.
Kevin is responsible for overseeing Clinical Services throughout the agency. Previously, Kevin worked as a Behavior Analyst for the agency. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. He completed further post graduate work at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts in order to fulfill the requirements necessary to receive his Board Certified Behavior Analyst Certificate.
Kerrie has been working as the marketing director for Venture since 2004. In October 2013, she was promoted to the senior leadership team. Kerrie is responsible for community relations, producing printed marketing materials, advertising, communications, and managing the organization’s social media presence. Kerrie also spearheaded a major rebranding process to produce a new name, logo, and mission statement for the organization. Prior to her position at Venture, she worked as Marketing & Events Manager for the Publick House Historic Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts and as a Channel Marketing Manager for Digital Equipment Corporation in Acton, Massachusetts. Kerrie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Westfield State University.
Damien Pittola
Vice President of Human Resources, Professional Development & Information Technology
Damien oversees the agency’s HR compliance initiatives while ensuring HR is aligned with Venture’s vision. He brings over 20 years of professional experience to Venture and has a strong history of human resource management that includes strategic planning, employee law and compliance, labor relations, policy management and employee development. Damien has held positions in the HR field within the social services, retail and logistics industries. He is a member of the Society of Human Resources Management and serves on the board of directors of the Celebrate Kate Foundation. He volunteers as a coach offering interview skills training to students and as an educational contributor with the School to Career program in Western MA. Damien received both a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Science Degree in Labor and Employee Relations from Penn State University in State College, PA. He is also certified by the International Associate of Interviewers Institution as a Forensic Interviewer.
Laurie is responsible for Systems and Program Compliance across Venture’s Community Residences, Day Habilitation programs, Community Based Day Supports, and the Administrative Office. Laurie has worked for Venture in various roles for the past 22 years, starting as a receptionist at the front desk and working her way up to her current position. Laurie is a Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner, and a nationally certified member of RESNA as an Assistive Technology Professional. Laurie holds a Master of Education in Instructional Design and Technology from Anna Maria. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Worcester State University
Pam is responsible for division wide operations and service delivery oversight for 42 Community Residences, 3 Day Habilitation programs, Shared Living, Individual Supports, Employment Supports and Community Based Day Supports. She is be the primary business liaison to all outside stakeholders and ensures the execution of deliverables associated with strategic initiatives for the department. Pam brings over 30 years of professional experience to Venture and has strong history of management and oversight in the human services field. She most recently served as the Regional Director for The Kennedy-Donovan Center’s New Bedford adult programs which included Shared Living, Adult Foster Care, Acquired Brain Injury, Individual Supports, Day Habilitation and Intensive Flexible Family Supports. She also provided program supervision at locations in Milford and throughout Cape Cod. Prior to her tenure at Kennedy-Donovan Center, Pam was employed with Alternatives Unlimited in Whitinsville and held various positions from Residential Counselor and Residential Coordinator to Director of Program Development for Community Based Day and Employment Supports. Pam received a Graduate Certificate in Non-profit Administration and Finance from Suffolk University in Boston and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Business Administration from New England College in Henniker, New Hampshire.