Bob Gittens
Former Executive Director
Bridges Homeward |
Robert Gittens served as the executive director of Bridges Homeward (formerly Cambridge Family and Children’s Service) from 2016 until 2024. Prior to joining Bridges Homeward he was the Vice President for Public Affairs at Northeastern University from 2003 until 2016. At Northeastern he worked with President Joseph Aoun in developing and promoting partnership opportunities in the communities near Northeastern's campus and across the City of Boston.
Bob brings the passion for the welfare of children and families for which Bridges Homeward is well-known, in addition to his significant management experience. He served as Cabinet Secretary of the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Health and Human Services from 2001-2003 and was Commissioner of the Mass. Department of Youth Services (DYS) from 1997-2001. He was First Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office from 1992-1997 and Chairman of the Massachusetts Parole Board from 1990-92. Bob holds a J.D. degree from Northeastern University School of Law and a BA in Political Science from Northeastern. He currently serves on the boards of the Children’s League of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and Commonwealth Care Alliance. He previously played a distinguished role in the community as Chairman of the Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and member of the Governor's Youth Violence Task Force. He has also served on the boards of numerous organizations including Judge Baker Children's Center, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Red Cross of Massachusetts and Goodwill Industries. |