MILLERTON – The North East Community Center announced that Christine Sergent, who has served as the organization’s executive director for eight years, left her position as of Friday, March 13. Staff were notified on Friday shortly before a statement was sent to the community.
Board Chair Irene Banning said she and the board accepted Sergent’s resignation, but would not elaborate on the timing or circumstances surrounding the departure. Sergent was removed from the website’s staff page as of Friday evening.
“Leadership changes always feel like a loss, and they are,” Banning said. “But they are also opportunities.”
In a statement, Banning expressed gratitude for Sergent’s eight years of service, highlighting her work expanding the Food Pantry and championing the Transportation Program.
“While we are losing a skilled manager with Christine, change is an opportunity for reevaluation and the infusion of energy into the future of NECC.”
Banning said she and NECC’s Vice Chair Julie Berkun Fajgenbaum will step into Sergent’s role temporarily – serving as a “backstop” rather than taking charge – while the board organizes a search process for the next executive director. Banning said she hopes the process will be efficient and move quickly enough that an interim director will not be necessary.
The search process has yet to be formalized, Banning said, adding that it would likely include a committee consisting of board members and staff. A first step would be gathering information from employees and community members to help the committee draft a job description.
“We hope to collect lots of applications from very qualified candidates,” Banning said. The current NECC organization is filled with capable program directors and senior staff, she added.
“The organization is on solid ground and our programs are working well and are funded,” she added. “We have good relationships with donors and funders and show them on an ongoing basis that we perform up to and beyond expectations.”
As for what NECC is looking for in a new executive director, Banning said she can’t “jump the gun.” Conversations with current staff and board members will inform a job description, and Banning is confident that the right candidates will emerge.
Sergent and the board faced criticism following the unexpected closure of the organization’s Early Learning Program (ELP) last November, citing financial difficulties, which left families and staff scrambling.
Although parents said they understood the financial realities, they were frustrated by the way the closure was communicated, describing it as abrupt and lacking transparency.
“The way the announcement was made was disappointing and feels antithetical to the fabric and character of NECC,” said Finegan Ferreboeuf last fall, whose toddler was enrolled at the ELP prior to its closure.
Former ELP Director Emily Redmond, who was fired last November following the program’s closure, was also vocal in her criticism of the process. She said she and her colleagues would have valued the opportunity to discuss potential solutions before the decision to close was finalized.
However, Redmond also sees the change as an opportunity.
“I hope NECC finds someone wonderful who will fill that role with grace and courtesy and respect for the community they represent,” Redmond said.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
