JRI announces the promotion of Kari Beserra to Chief Operating Officer at JRI.  This promotion is a testament to Kari’s outstanding dedication, strategic vision and exceptional leadership throughout her nearly twenty-five years at JRI.  Her contributions have been invaluable in empowering our dynamic team and progressing JRI forward, making her the clear choice to fill this role.  

Kari began her career at JRI as a Clinician at Glenhaven Academy.  Over the years, she has ascended through the agency ranks, embracing increasing levels of responsibility.  Her career has been marked by an unwavering dedication to children, individuals and families in various settings, including outpatient, residential, secure care, group home, and community-based levels of treatment.  Kari is a licensed mental health counselor with extensive training in treating traumatic stress and trauma.    

In Kari's most recent position as Executive Vice President, she played a crucial role working with state agencies to create strong partnerships and robust programs, continuously enhancing the quality of care.  Her commitment to collaborating with local colleges and universities has helped support the goal of a college education for many of our staff.  She has established numerous development groups and training opportunities, contributing to the emergence of strong leaders throughout the agency.  During the peak of the COVID pandemic, Kari worked tirelessly to ensure both our staff and those we serve had the resources and supplies needed to continue operating as safely and efficiently as possible.  

Even outside of JRI, Kari is a tenacious advocate for social justice, always standing up for what is in the best interest of our staff and clients.  She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Children’s League of Massachusetts where she works closely with colleagues from other agencies to collectively advocate for higher wages and critical policy changes.  

In her new role as Chief Operating Officer, Kari will work closely with JRI’s leadership team to execute our strategy and vision while fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment.