Berkshire Immigrant Center Announces Executive Director Transition
Berkshire Immigrant Center (BIC) announces that Executive Director Melissa Canavan will step down from her role following three years of strong and steady leadership.
Since joining BIC in May 2023, Melissa has guided the organization through a period of significant growth and increased community need. By prioritizing organizational health and operational depth, she has ensured that staff are better supported and equipped to offer consistent services within a rapidly changing immigration landscape.
During her tenure, Melissa led the effort to establish the internal systems and governance necessary for BIC to thrive as an independent 501(c)(3). She guided the move to a new, more welcoming office, providing the professional foundation and expanded capacity that enabled an increase in staff and office hours while positioning the organization for continued growth. To anchor this progress, she implemented a three-year strategic plan centered on mission clarity, program expansion, development and marketing strategies, organizational systems, and staff support.
Under this framework, Melissa successfully strengthened internal systems, improved security and confidentiality protocols, and built the strategic partnerships required for long-term expansion. These structural improvements were matched by meaningful investments in organizational sustainability, including increased compensation and the addition of a third caseworker to stabilize the legal workload.
Building on this internal strength, she increased community responsiveness by implementing an on-demand language service to ensure services remain accessible for all clients and broadening public education efforts through social media outreach, monthly immigration-related policy updates, and expanded “Know Your Rights” presentations. This transition into a more resilient and proactive organization enabled BIC to strengthen its network of trusted attorneys, achieve year-over-year fundraising growth, and respond to the urgent legal needs of immigrant families during a time of heightened uncertainty.
“Melissa has guided Berkshire Immigrant Center through a period of extraordinary growth and change with intelligence, compassion, and strength,” said Josh Hochberg, Board President of Berkshire Immigrant Center. “From leading our transition to an independent 501(c)(3) to overseeing our move to a new, safer, and more welcoming office, she has helped position BIC for a strong future. During a particularly turbulent time for immigrant communities, Melissa has remained deeply committed to our clients, staff, and volunteers, while working tirelessly to secure the funding and staffing needed to advance our mission. She leaves BIC in a far stronger position than when she began, and we are confident that her leadership has helped lay the foundation for continued growth and steadfast advocacy on behalf of the people we serve.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Director of Berkshire Immigrant Center,” said Melissa Canavan. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished over the past three years and deeply grateful to the staff, Board, volunteers, and community partners who have made this work possible. Together, we have strengthened the organization in meaningful ways while staying grounded in our mission to support immigrant individuals and families. I leave with great confidence in BIC’s future.”
Melissa’s decision to step down comes as her family prepares for a move to New York City. She will depart BIC at the end of May, leaving the organization on excellent terms and with confidence in the strong team and solid foundation in place to carry BIC forward.
The Board of Directors expressed deep gratitude for Melissa’s leadership and affirmed BIC’s continued commitment to serving immigrant individuals and families across the region. A search for BIC’s next Executive Director will soon be underway.
BIC’s operations and services will continue without interruption during this transition. The organization is fortunate to have steady Board and consultant leadership in place to help guide BIC, maintain continuity, and sustain its ongoing work.
For more information, please contact: board@berkshireic.org
Download this press release: Berkshire Immigrant Center Announces Executive Director Transition 4.16.2026