GREENFIELD — With its executive director leaving to join the national organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County has tapped its Hampden County counterpart to fill the interim role.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County Executive Director David Beturne, a 22-year veteran of the agency, will fill the void left by Franklin County Executive Director Jennifer Webster’s departure. Beturne has signed onto a two-month minimum agreement to assist the agency in its leadership transition. At the same time, he will keep his role in Hampden County.

“Honestly, it’s an honor. The program in Franklin County is an amazing program; they are an award-winning program, so the quality of services they provide to young people is top-notch,” Beturne said. “I’m happy to support them in any way I can during this transition.”

Webster served as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County’s executive director for five years, during which time she oversaw record enrollment numbers, launched three new programs, doubled its budgets and also received a $500,000 donation from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. She is leaving her role to become Big Brothers Big Sisters of America’s senior director of program impact and scale. Her final day will be April 7.

Beturne, who has served eight and a half years as the Hampden County chapter’s leader, said the Franklin County chapter’s staff is “super energetic” and he’s ready to ensure the agency continues its work during this transition.

“The first, initial goals are to make sure everybody in Franklin County, in terms of staff and the board [of directors], feel like they’re being supported, so they can continue to do the amazing work they do,” Beturne said, adding that his other goals are to plan out the next steps for the agency and prepare things for its future executive director.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County board of directors President Elizabeth Johnson said in a statement that Beturne’s extensive experience made him a strong candidate to lead the agency.

“David is well versed and well respected within the BBBS community, and has been a close collaborative partner of Jennifer’s for several years,” Johnson said. “He has the familiarity, respect and experience to shepherd us through this transition and keep our staff and programs supported and thriving.”

In terms of adapting to Franklin County, he said the needs of children and teens are similar in both areas as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend people’s social lives and mental health.

“It really is very much the same, regardless of density of population,” he said. “All across western Mass. you’re seeing kids struggle with mental health, struggle with peers and struggle with school. … Folks are definitely having a hard time with that.”

He said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County, like other chapters, is in need of volunteers. The agency is able to work around anyone’s schedule and match them with a child or teen based on mutual preferences. For details, visit bbbs-fc.org/volunteer.

“There’s all kinds of different ways to volunteer. Most Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies have different types of programming and ways to fit into people’s schedules,” Beturne said. “If someone’s interested, they should certainly reach out.”

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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