Throughout her professional career, M. Christine “Chris” Macbeth has been dedicated to helping people improve their quality of life and overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges. A native of upstate New York, Chris graduated from Syracuse University with a Masters of Social Work degree. In both direct practice as a licensed Social Worker and through a series of progressively more responsible management roles, she has been a tireless advocate for those in need.

Chris is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of The Brien Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, a community-based, non-profit agency with a 95-plus-year history of providing a continuum of care for children, adolescents, adults and families who are living with significant and persistent behavioral health needs. Its comprehensive care model focuses on rehabilitation, resiliency and recovery and supports persons served in managing their own illness so they can stay in their jobs and remain productive members of the community; remain in their homes; avoid hospitalization; and keep their families together and their children in school. The Brien Center is guided by the belief that everyone in Berkshire County benefits when people are emotionally healthy.

Under Chris’ leadership, The Brien Center continues to grow and thrive, enabling them to continue providing the critical and important services that are vital to the behavioral health of Berkshire County residents. The Brien Center has also been successful in seeking new funds, participating in collaborative initiatives and implementing new programs. The agency has a total of 26 sites located throughout the County, including outpatient clinics in Pittsfield, North Adams and Great Barrington. Last year alone, The Brien Center served 10,000 Berkshire County residents, including over 4,000 children, with one in every four Berkshire families receiving services.

Chris has a long history with and is currently President of the Department of Children and Families Area Advisory Board. She also serves on the board of directors for the Association for Behavioral Health.