GLEN COVE, N.Y., Jan. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SCO Family of Services, a provider of essential human services throughout New York City and on Long Island, today announced the appointment of Keith M. Little to the position of Executive Director. In this role, Mr. Little assumes oversight of the agency's extensive continuum of residential and community-based child welfare, early childhood, youth development, family support, special needs, and homeless services. Mr. Little joined SCO in September 2017 as Deputy Executive Director, and succeeds Douglas O'Dell, who previously announced his intentions to step down after 27 years with the agency.

A hands-on leader with over 30 years of experience at state, city, and nonprofit organizations, Mr. Little brings considerable expertise in the provision of mental health, health care, child welfare, and juvenile justice programs. He has been a tireless advocate for children, youth, and families throughout the metropolitan area. Most recently, he served as Executive Director at Edwin Gould Services for Children and Families where he was credited with building organizational capacity, external collaborations, and financial sustainability.

"We are pleased to welcome Keith Little to lead SCO into the future," remarked Lee Vance, Chair of SCO's Board of Directors. "With a wealth of experience in both government and the nonprofit arena, Keith has an expert understanding of the issues our consumers and staff face every day. We are confident that his innovative leadership, vision, and drive will continue to advance SCO's mission and our important work in the communities we serve."

"This is an exciting time at SCO and I am energized by the commitment of our Board, our staff, our supporters and importantly, our government partners, to improve the well-being of those in our care and help them achieve their full potential," remarked Keith Little. "Together, we will continue to transform the lives of children, families, and people with disabilities across New York – helping to build strong families and vibrant communities."

"Keith is a trailblazer with a course charted by his long-term commitment to meeting the needs of at-risk communities, and guided by the best interests of the children and families of New York," said Jim Purcell, CEO of the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies (COFCCA).

Previously, Mr. Little held senior organizational and program leadership positions at the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) for two decades. He last served as Associate Commissioner and Deputy Director at OMH, where he was responsible for the direction and oversight of State Operations, including 13 statewide child and adolescent psychiatric centers/units; the coordination of state-local services via regional OMH field offices; and oversight of Division State Operations budget and spending plans. 

His vast experience includes posts at the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services and the New York City Department of Health. Mr. Little earned an MPA from Baruch College, City University of New York, and a bachelor's degree from University of Bridgeport. He currently sits on the Boards of Directors of COFCCA and the Collaboration of Children and Families (CCF), the Priority and Strategy Council for the Human Services Council, and is a lead member of the Black Agency Executives.             

About SCO Family of Services
SCO Family of Services helps New Yorkers build a strong foundation for the future. We get young children off to a good start, launch youth into adulthood, stabilize and strengthen families and unlock potential for children and adults with special needs. SCO has played a vital role delivering human services in communities throughout New York City and Long Island for more than 100 years. For more information, visit sco.org.

SOURCE SCO Family of Services

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