MHA Names Jennifer Ducharme Vice President of Development & Community Relations

SPRINGFIELD ­— The Mental Health Assoc. (MHA) recently named Jennifer Ducharme vice president of Development & Community Relations. She will be instrumental in providing leadership to ensure that MHA continues to expand the agency’s resources and presence in the community.

The population MHA serves includes those navigating substance-use dependency and mental-health conditions, adults with acquired brain injury, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the chronically homeless.

Ducharme has held various positions with nonprofit organizations for over a decade, including the American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Clubs, and American Red Cross. She also serves on several local nonprofit boards and councils.

“My passion for nonprofit work began at a young age when I started volunteering,” she said. “I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to use my professional training and skillset to impact the lives of the people served by MHA. MHA is an agency that meets people at the most vulnerable times in their lives and stands beside them through every phase of their recovery and healing.”

Ducharme holds an undergraduate degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and a master’s degree in nonprofit management and philanthropy from Bay Path University. She is a member of Nu Lamda Mu, an international honor society established by the Nonprofit Academic Centers Council to recognize students dedicated to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship/enterprise.

“I am thrilled that Jennifer has joined the senior leadership team at MHA,” said Cheryl Fasano, president and CEO. “Jennifer’s role is vital to ensuring that necessary resources are available to fund the work of MHA and interfacing with the community. Jennifer brings a dynamic that will impact those we serve and the individuals, state agencies, and corporations that fund our work.”