We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s Awards of Excellence and Peer Provider Award winners! Honorees were recognized during the Providers’ Council’s 50th Annual Convention & Expo: 50 Years Together: Celebrating Today, Shaping Tomorrow, held on Monday, October 6, 2025.
Award Categories:
Chief Executive Officer Award: Susan Gentili, South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC)
The Council annually recognizes excellence in the human service profession by presenting awards to our sector’s leadership. Each year, a chief executive officer or executive director is honored for their outstanding contributions to serving those in need.
Supervisor/Manager of the Year: Jillian Rivera, Berkshire County Arc and Gina Shulimson, Toward Independent Living and Learning
Two outstanding supervisors/managers are recognized each year for demonstrating excellence in leading and managing staff.
Gerry Wright Direct Service Employee: Courtney Tranos, Pathways for Children, Halimo Mohamed, Hildebrand Family Self-Help Center, Inc. and Louis Waweru, North Suffolk Community Services
Direct service employees provide essential supports, services, and above all, care to individuals with varying needs. Three awards are given to direct service employees to fully recognize outstanding dedication.
Volunteer of the Year: Kelly Olson, Justice Resource Institute
Volunteers freely give their time, talent and energy to human services organizations. This award will be given to a person for exemplary volunteerism within a private provider agency.
Ruth M. Batson Advocate of the Year: Bill Stock, Seven Hills Foundation
Advocates work tirelessly to secure the funding, services and supports that are necessary for people to reach their greatest potential. This award is given to an individual who demonstrates conviction, devotion and tenacity in support of human services.
Legislator of the Year: Senator Lydia Edwards and Representative Sean Garballey
Providers often work closely with legislators throughout the year on matters that impact the sector. This award will honor a state representative and a state senator for outstanding contributions to the industry.
Peer Providers: CENTRO and House of Possibilities
The awards are given to Providers’ Council member agencies that have had extraordinary accomplishments over the prior year and/or have stood out in serving clients and consumers.