Knaebe

PITTSFIELD — Diana L. Knaebe is no longer the president and CEO of The Brien Center, according to an email sent to all staff and obtained by The Eagle.

“Effective immediately, the President and CEO, Diana L. Knaebe, is no longer with the Agency,” according to a March 16 email from board of directors Chair Linda Febles. “The Board of Directors will provide direct oversight of all departments and teams. Additional details will follow as we move forward.”

No reason was provided in the email, and a spokesperson declined to provide any information on Knaebe's departure.

"We do not comment on personnel matters," said Victoria May, the center's director of communications. "The organization remains focused on its mission and ongoing operations."

When The Eagle called the center and asked to be transferred to Knaebe, an operator said she no longer works there.

The announcement comes as the center continues to navigate financial uncertainty because of reduced state funding and small insurance reimbursements. It recently closed its Great Barrington location, the only office in South County.

The nonprofit provides mental health and substance-use recovery services for about 9,000 patients at 25 locations in central and north county, according to its website. Febles' email went on to say the organization's focus remains on providing high-quality care to patients.

Knaebe started as president in July 2024, after 35 years in behavioral health care in Illinois. She succeeded Christine MacBeth, who started at the center in 2010 and became CEO in 2018.

While Knaebe is still listed as CEO and president on The Brien Center's website, her LinkedIn says she is "open to work."