Reflecting on the past 28 years with the NAFI/NFI organization, I am struck by three themes: service is transformative, people are the heart of everything we do, and our best work always lies ahead. On August 1, 2025, I will assume the role of Executive Director of NFI Massachusetts and NAFI Florida, a tremendous honor and the culmination of a journey that began when I was fresh out of college, unsure of where this path would lead.
My first full-time role was as a direct care counselor for NAFI Rhode Island. At the time, I did not fully grasp the profound impact human services could have, not just on the individuals we serve, but on those of us doing the work. That changed early in my career, when I met a young person who had endured multiple placements and nearly lost all trust in adults. Through patience, encouragement, and consistency, I watched them begin to believe in themselves again, reconnect with family, and set meaningful goals for the future. That moment didn’t just solidify my career path; it became the foundation for how I view our mission.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of learning from visionary leaders, beginning with our founder, Dr. Yitzhak Bakal, whose leadership established our core beliefs that continue to guide us today. I have been fortunate to work and learn from many talented colleagues who instilled confidence and inspired my professional growth. Serving alongside Lydia Todd over the past seven years has been an extraordinary honor. Her generosity of spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our mission, especially during times of great challenge, have placed our organization as a solid foundation for continued excellence.
NFI Massachusetts and NAFI Florida are not just human service agencies; they are communities with a soul. Our work is grounded in compassion and purpose, and our greatest strength has always been our people, dedicated staff at all levels who consistently show up for those we serve, even under the most challenging circumstances.
As I step into this role, my focus will be on nurturing a culture of servant leadership while supporting and elevating our teams, so they feel valued, empowered, and equipped to do their best work. We will continue to advocate for competitive pay and resources, recognizing that our workforce deserves not only appreciation but tangible support. This is about more than retention or recruitment—it’s about fairness, respect, and sustaining our mission for generations to come.
Looking ahead, we are committed to building on our strengths, leading with integrity, compassion, and strategic focus. We will continue to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and outcome-driven services while expanding our reach to meet emerging needs. Challenges will arise, because they always do, but if the past 28 years have taught me anything, it’s that we have the resilience, creativity, and heart to rise to every occasion.
I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity and energized by the road ahead. Together, we will write the next chapter of NFI’s story, one defined by hope, innovation, and unwavering commitment to those who need us most.
Let’s Maximize Potential Together,
Eric Klingaman