Celebrating 35 years, Tides Family Services Focuses Firmly on Future
Beth Bixby, 17-year nonprofit leader, to assume role of CEO – while Brother Michael Reis transitions to new role as Chief Visionary Officer
January 31st, 2018 (West Warwick) – “It is with excitement and gratitude that the Board of Directors proudly announce the appointments of Brother Michael Reis to Chief Visionary Officer and Beth Bixby as the new Chief Executive Officer for Tides Family Services,” stated Linda D’Amario Rossi, Board Chair. Brother Michael’s new role will allow him to focus efforts in advocacy, fundraising and as Lasallian Ministry Leader.” Bixby will be only the second person to lead the agency since its creation in 1983.
“I am delighted to see Beth leading an organization that is clearly so near and dear to my heart,” Brother Michael said. “During the past 17 years, she’s clearly demonstrated to me and to everyone she’s worked with her exceptional leadership abilities as well as her unparalleled dedication to the children and families we serve. She began her career with us working directly with families. She understands what is needed to continue our services. Her experience is just what Tides needs in the next chapter of our history.” Beth’s appointment as the CEO of Tides makes her the first female CEO of a youth and family organization in the Lasallian District of Eastern North America.
“Brother Michael is a celebrity in the local nonprofit community,” Bixby said. “He’s what we call a ‘Visionary Beyond Borders’ and his passion for Rhode Island’s most vulnerable families guides our every decision. I am thrilled to have him remain in a crucial part of our work as Chief Visionary Officer.”
Brother Michael founded Tides Family Services in 1983 when he recognized that families benefit the most from services that are delivered in their homes, in their own environment. Since then, Brother Michael has expanded services throughout Rhode Island. Today, Tides is an $8 million organization with 140 staff. Tides serves more than 500 high-risk youth and families in Providence, Pawtucket, Central Falls, Woonsocket, West Warwick, and recently opened an office in Middletown serving clients statewide.
2018 also marks Tides’ 35th anniversary year, during which the agency will host a series of special events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone as well as Brother Michael’s and Beth Bixby’s new role.
Beth Bixby was born and raised in Coventry, where she lives today with her husband, Joe, and their two children. She received a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Rhode Island. She also has a Master’s in Social Work from Syracuse University. During her 17 years at Tides Family Services, Beth has held critical positions as clinical supervisor, Director of Home Based Therapeutic Services, Assistant Vice President, and Senior Vice President of Treatment Programs. Since 2015 she has served as the Chief Operating Officer.
Beth is a member of the Executive Committee of the RI Coalition for Children and Family, Past Co- Chair of the Membership Practice Committee, Co-Chair of the Workforce Development Committee and is on the Planning Committee for the Lasallian National Huether Conference. She has been a national presenter at the Huether Conference as well as many others. Beth is also a graduate of the first graduating class of the Next Generation Lasallian Leaders.
Over the past fifty years, the Brothers of the Christian Schools have seen an increase in the number of women engaged in the mission. As noted in the Lasallian publication Circular 451: Associated for the Lasallian Mission: An Act of Hope, “The participation of women in the Lasallian network is essential. Their presence, undoubtedly, will help to construct a more humane and community centered society; help to reexamine ways of thinking; help to situate the entire Lasallian world a bit differently in history and help to organize social, political, economic and religious life in a way that can be more intuitive relational.”
“I feel honored and privileged to accept this important position to honor the past 35 years of incredible growth under the leadership of Brother Michael,” Bixby added. “I have personally seen him break barriers and honor the traditions of the Founder of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, Saint John Baptist de La Salle. I am committed to building off the Christian Brother’s foundation and I am excited to take the organization into its next chapter.”
