A Message From our Board

The Board of Trustees of RFK Community Alliance announces that President and CEO Dr. Michael W. Ames is stepping down after a decade of visionary and steadfast leadership. The Board is also pleased to announce that Dr. Kathy Mills, the agency’s COO, will step in as interim CEO to lead the agency forward through this transition.

RFK Community Alliance is a multi-service nonprofit organization committed to promoting meaningful and sustained well-being for children, youth, and adults facing educational, developmental, mental health, and other challenges.

Michael has played a transformative role in shaping the organization we know today. He guided the successful merger of RFK Children’s Action Corps and the Doctor Franklin Perkins School, launching RFK Community Alliance as a unified, mission-driven force for good. Over the past ten years, he has led the organization through significant growth and unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, a major campus development project, the ongoing workforce crisis, and the growing complexity of those we serve.

Throughout his tenure, Michael has remained a compassionate and steady presence, supporting and uplifting the dedicated staff—including teachers, clinicians, residential counselors, and program leaders—who together serve more than 2,000 children, adults, and families across Massachusetts and beyond.

Under his leadership, RFK Community Alliance has expanded its continuum of care, deepened its community-based impact, and strengthened its commitment to providing trauma-focused, individualized services for the people it serves.

Reflecting on his time with the organization, Michael stated, “I could not be more proud nor grateful for all we have accomplished. The strength and dedication of our staff, along with the resilience of those we serve, continue to inspire me every day. I have been incredibly fortunate to work with so many amazing and dedicated people.I look forward to seeing the agency’s continued growth and evolution.”

As part of his transition, Michael will begin stepping back from day-to-day responsibilities this week. He will remain involved in a consulting capacity, working closely with the Executive Team to ensure a smooth handoff. The Board has full confidence in Kathy, the leadership team, and the entire staff to continue the important work of the organization.

On behalf of the RFK Community Alliance and the thousands of individuals and families we support, the Board of Trustees expresses its deepest appreciation for Michael's tireless service and wishes him continued success in his next chapter.