Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam (BBBSWP) has announced the appointment of Ann Ellsworth, LCSW, as its new CEO. Ellsworth joins BBBSWP following an 18-year tenure as executive director at the Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center, where she advocated for and provided vital support to adult and child victims of domestic and sexual violence. She succeeds Valerie Brown who has been CEO of BBBSWP since 2015.
Ellsworth’s broad and varied experience will make her a compelling leader for BBBSWP. At the Women’s Resource Center, she dedicated her career to empowering those affected by violence and was instrumental in shaping critical support services. A fierce advocate for victims, she served as the past chair – and is currently an at-large member – of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Additionally, she has represented Putnam County on various boards, including the United Way 211 Advisory Board, the New York State Balance of State Continuum of Care Steering Committee and the Putnam County Child Advocacy Center Management Advisory Board.
“I am honored to have been chosen to carry forward the legacy built by Valerie Brown and her team of dedicated staff and volunteers,” said Ellsworth. I am excited to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam into its next chapter and explore the many possibilities that lie ahead for the organization and the youth we serve.”
Valerie Brown’s contributions during her nearly 10-year tenure as CEO have transformed BBBSWP. Her tireless leadership propelled the Chapter into a standalone 501(c)(3) organization, which today holds the coveted “Platinum Affiliate” designation from Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
She has worked compassionately on behalf of over 2,000 local children and their families by providing them access to mentors and programs. Her development of BBBSWP’s innovative Big Futures program highlights her visionary commitment to ensuring that the support for “Littles” extends beyond high school by focusing on the importance of work experience and post-secondary counseling.
Brown’s support of community extends far beyond her work at BBBSWP. She has served on the boards of trustees for BBBS New York City, Marymount Manhattan College, the Family Equality Council and School of the Holy Child. Her legacy at BBBSWP will be measured not only by the transformational impact she has had on the growth and financial stability of the organization but by the immeasurable ways she has improved the many lives she has touched.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam is dedicated to creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the potential in children and change lives. Through various programs designed to meet the needs of the community, the organization aims to build brighter futures for children and empower them to achieve success. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam visit bigswestchester.org.
