Envision Consulting Retained as Search Firm
Jonathan M. Werner, Esq., Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership of Hamburger Home d/b/a Aviva Family and Children’s Services announces the retirement of Regina Bette, LMFT, President/CEO, in Spring of 2022 after 11 years. Envision Consulting has been retained to conduct a national search for her replacement.
Ms. Bette’s leadership is marked by significant changes to the provision of services for children and families in Los Angeles County. As Aviva’s visionary leader, the organization was able to quickly respond to these changes including a decrease in the need for non-public schools and an increased focus on supporting foster youth to grow up in families thus reducing the need for group homes. Ms. Bette was at the forefront in these shifts and successfully pivoted its non-public school and group home for teenage girls to provide increased services to the community. Ms. Bette also spearheaded the group home remodel to become an integral part of the solution to homelessness for women and their children. Fundraising also significantly increased through support from local and national foundations, individuals and corporations during her tenure.
“I am so proud of our team at Aviva. The last 11 years have presented many challenges but this talented group of leaders has handled each one with flexibility, compassion and with a deep commitment to Aviva’s mission and employees. They have bravely stepped out to focus on helping families raise their own children and when that isn’t possible to find forever homes so children grow up loved and valued.”
Ms. Bette’s lasting impact on Aviva includes a significant cultural shift that transformed Aviva’s approach to delivering services and programming to an organization informed and shaped by data and rooted in achieving positive outcomes. A major focus of her tenure focused on leadership development and diversity at Aviva which changed the organization’s outlook and relevancy.
A Steady Team
Aviva’s leadership team is strong, highly experienced and well-suited to carry out Aviva’s mission during this transition period. The recent appointment of Angela Miller to Chief Operating Officer will maintain a level of consistency helping to ensure the smoothest transition possible. Ms. Miller previously served as Vice President of Administrative Services.
A Path Forward
In April 2021, under Ms. Bette’s direction, the Board of Directors approved a four-year strategic plan, which serves as a roadmap leading Aviva into a prosperous future. The plan affirms Aviva’s commitment to providing critical support to the increasing number of vulnerable children and families in Los Angeles County.
Ms. Bette started her career as a House Parent in a Pasadena group home in 1979. She received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling in 1988 and designed innovative programs for children and families helping them heal after abuse and separation. Throughout her career, the tremendous potential and love of children has been at the heart of her work. She served on the boards of the Association for Community Health Services Agency (ACHSA), the California Alliance for Child and Family Services (CAFAS), Wilshire Rotary and The Mariners Outreach Foundation. Ms. Bette plans to spend time with family and friends and is excited to travel before embarking on her second passion as a certified executive coach.
About Aviva
Aviva believes every child and every family in our Los Angeles community deserves the chance for a brighter future. We provide compassionate support, therapeutic services, and guidance to at-risk children and families. Our four main program focus areas are: Crisis Intervention; Mental Health Services; Foster and Adoption and Supportive Housing for Women and Children. Aviva has flourished for more than 106 years because of our ability to respond and evolve to meet the changing needs of the Los Angeles community. From our modest beginnings in 1915, Aviva has grown exponentially, and now serves more than 6,500 children, youth and families each year.
Media Advisory Contact
Adam M. Greenwald, Vice President of Development or at 818-531-6603