Current Vice President of Programs, Michael Shaffer to Assume the Role of CEO effective January 1, 2025

Lehigh Valley, PA – November 25, 2024, The Board of Directors of Pinebrook Family Answers has shared that Willam B. Vogler, PhD will be retiring at the end of the calendar year and that Michael Shaffer, currently Vice President of Programs has been named CEO of Pinebrook Family Answers. He will begin his new role effective January 1, 2025.

Earlier this year, Vogler announced his retirement plans to the board, effective at the end of the calendar year. Bill has been a nonprofit leader in the Lehigh Valley for over 35 years. He previously led the Center for Humanistic Change and Family Answers before Pinebrook Family Answers was formed through three separate mergers. For the past decade, Bill has guided Pinebrook Family Answers, achieving significant milestones, including the expansion of Integrated Behavioral Health Services, such as School-based Behavioral Health Services, the addition of the Unconditional Child Care program and the Police Department Mental Health Liaison Program. Throughout the pandemic, Bill’s determination and innovative leadership ensured that over 5,000 clients continued to receive essential programming and services. He also prioritized the mental and physical well-being of the staff, ensuring their safety and support during this unprecedented time.

“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve this organization. I am deeply inspired by the resilience and dedication of our team, the courage of our clients, and the unwavering support of our board, and this community. Together, we have overcome challenges, broadened our services, and made a meaningful difference in many lives. I am confident that with Mike Shaffer’s leadership, the organization will continue to flourish and make an even greater impact.” Vogler told the Board and staff.

To ensure a smooth transition and continued success, the Board formed a Succession Planning Committee, led by Board Chair Jane Brooks.  After a thorough regional search, the Committee unanimously selected Mike as the new CEO. Mike has been with Pinebrook since 1989 and has played a key role in expanding our services. He is committed to our mission of providing exceptional mental health services and community-based programs. “The Committee unanimously selected Mr. Shaffer to lead the organization forward,” said Brooks. “With 35 years of dedicated service, he has the full confidence of the board and employees. We are confident that his vision and dedication will guide us towards continued growth and success.”

“I am honored to take on the role of CEO at Pinebrook. With 35 years of experience within this organization, I am committed to continuing our mission of providing exceptional mental health services and community-based programs,” stated Shaffer. “I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to drive growth and ensure the well-being of our clients and staff.”

Michael Shaffer began his career as a caseworker with Pinebrook Services for Children and Youth after graduating from Moravian College.  Over the years, he has been instrumental in expanding Pinebrook’s Community and In Home Services which has helped meet the goal of reaching clients where they are, ensuring the integrity of our programs and compliance with state regulations and national accreditation standards.

Currently, as Vice President of Programs, Mike oversees all programming at Pinebrook as well as leading and supporting senior administrators, developing new programs, setting policies, establishing budgets, negotiating contracts, and long-range planning. Mike is also active in community and state boards, including the Pool Fellowship for Health, Pennsylvania Council of Children and Youth Family Services, and local Children’s Roundtable committees.

In the coming month, the two leaders will work closely with the management team to ensure a smooth transition.

ABOUT PINEBROOK FAMILY ANSWERS
Our Mission is to transform lives across generations by nurturing healthy children and strong families, supporting seniors, empowering individuals, and strengthening the Greater Lehigh Valley. Our goal is to help all types of families become healthy and flourish by providing services and programs to overcome challenges and succeed in daily living. Our focus is supporting children, adults, and seniors to make them healthy, strong, and self-sufficient. For more information, www.pbfalv.org.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Maggie Prorok