Sass set to retire from Family & Children's Service

March 23--Kenneth A. Sass, longtime president and CEO of Family & Children's Service of Niagara, will retire in December, the agency's board of directors announced.

Sass has worked for Family & Children's Services of Niagara, which has offices in Niagara Falls and Lockport, for almost 25 years.

"Ken leaves behind a reputation of honesty and integrity built on compassion and making a difference in meeting the needs of the community in pursuit of such an important mission," Michael Piette, board chairman, said. Sass "has had such a positive impact on our organization."

Sass is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York state. He earned his master's degree in social work at SUNY Buffalo in 1983 and went to work for Erie County Medical Center and Child and Adolescent Treatment Services. Sass joined Family & Children's Services in 1993, as vice president, and within four years was promoted to president and CEO.

During Sass' tenure, he spearheaded two capital campaigns, totaling $3.3 million, to build the agency's first new headquarters in 100 years and Niagara Family Center, a multi-service collaboration between seven nonprofit agencies. Programs were expanded and developed in response to growing needs of the community in the areas of mental health, chronic medical conditions, domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, and services to expectant parents and youths.

"It has been an honor to have been the leader of a team that does so much important work in our community with so many dedicated partners," Sass said in reflecting on his tenure. "Being a leader at an agency with a 123-year legacy which has endured many challenges, while continuing to provide quality human service, is the greatest accomplishment I can look back on."

Sass is a past president of the New York State Association of Family Service Agencies and a 1997 graduate of Leadership Niagara.

Family & Children's Service of Niagara will be conducting a search to identify the next president-and-CEO. Details about a retirement celebration for Sass will be announced later this year.

___

(c)2018 the Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, N.Y.)

Visit the Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, N.Y.) at www.niagara-gazette.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.