Welcome, Brian.

Date Posted

April 13, 2026

Author

Category

Good afternoon to all who support FFDA!

The Board of Directors are excited to share two important updates from Families for Depression Awareness.

Introduction of Brian Fuss- Executive Director
We are pleased to introduce Brian Fuss, Ph.D., as our new Executive Director. Brian joined us on March 23, 2026, and he looks forward to bringing his many years of experience in the nonprofit sector to our organization.

Brian has over fifteen years of experience in various leadership roles within organizations. He has previously led two organizations: one focused on workers’ rights and the other in the arts sector. Most recently, he served as the Program Director at Fenway Health, where he oversaw the sexual health program. Additionally, Brian holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy and teaches part-time in a virtual setting. He began his career working with individuals with dual diagnoses. In addition to being a nonprofit guru, Brian has lived experience with depression, and saw his father suffer from depression throughout his life (although his father would not admit to being depressed.) Brian learned much later in his life that his father’s service in Vietnam greatly diminished his mental health. He currently lives in Wellesley with his husband.

Brian would like to meet you and will be holding virtual meet-and-greet sessions where you can share your thoughts and learn more about him and our organization. He hopes to connect with as many people as possible during these sessions, and there is no need to register! (see below)

Current Financial State
During the leadership transition, the Board of Directors assumed responsibility for FFDA’s day-to-day operations, including a comprehensive review of the organization’s finances. Through this process, we identified a significant gap between expenses and revenue, resulting in an unsustainable reliance on reserve funds.

To address this challenge and stabilize the organization, we are implementing cost-saving measures across the organization, including reducing or eliminating positions and nonessential and lower-priority expenses.

While these changes are challenging, they are critical steps toward strengthening FFDA’s financial foundation and ensuring our ability to serve families for years to come. As part of this restructuring, FFDA will also focus its efforts more regionally, with an emphasis on the New England area.

We are optimistic about the path forward and invite you to be part of FFDA’s continued impact. There are several meaningful ways to get involved:

  • Volunteer your time—particularly in administrative support or fundraising efforts. For more information, please contact Brian at brian@familyaware.org.
  • Consider making a financial contribution to support our mission. [https://www.familyaware.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate/]
  • Express interest in joining the Board of Directors when opportunities become available.
  • Join us for our Evening of Hope and Discovery on October 15, 2026 (more details to follow). If you are interested in helping to plan or support the event, please contact brian@familyaware.org.

In the spirit of transparency, Brian and the Board of Directors will provide regular updates on our progress. In early fall, FFDA will also begin a strategic planning process to guide our work over the next three years, and we encourage you to participate.

Again, we are delighted to welcome Brian to this role, and we look forward to many more years of success.

Topic: Virtual Meet and Greet with Brian
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/8721047984?pwd=TzZ1RXZ6UDF6ZHJmdHBBM0xiZktlZz09&omn=81336179949
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