Lois Nesci Named CEO of Gándara Center

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Lois Nesci has been appointed CEO of Gándara Center, an agency that provides culturally sensitive mental-health, substance-use, residential, and preventive services across the state.

Nesci, who has held executive leadership positions for several nonprofit human services agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut, was most recently chief operating officer at the Center for Human Development in Springfield. She officially began her new role at Gándara Center on Feb. 3.

“My goal is to make sure Gándara Center continues to advance its mission as it has for the past 42 years — to advocate for and to provide help to the underserved in our communities,” she said.

Nesci earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, Conn. She brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit administration, including positions at Brightside for Families and Children, including executive director. Prior to her position at the Center for Human Development, Nesci was CEO at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford, one of the largest non-governmental providers of human services in Connecticut. She began her career at the Gray Lodge in Hartford.

Nesci replaces former Executive Director Henry Julio East-Trou, who retired last year after 21 years at the helm.

“We are really excited to have Lois Nesci at Gándara Center and we are confident that she will lead our agency with great distinction,” said Chief Operating Officer Jeff McGeary. “She comes to us with a proven track record and an in-depth working knowledge of nonprofit management and advocacy. We couldn’t have asked for a more suited individual for this role.”