After more than three decades of service to Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS) and the communities of southeastern Vermont, CEO George Karabakakis, Ph.D., has announced that he will retire at the end of June 2026.
George has been part of HCRS since 1994, serving in roles from clinician to Chief Operating Officer before becoming CEO in 2014. Over the past 11 years, he has guided the agency through a period of remarkable growth, expanding access to care, strengthening community partnerships, and shaping a culture of respect, transparency, and inclusion. Under his leadership, HCRS’ annual budget grew from $48 million to over $73 million, enabling the organization to reach more people and offer more comprehensive services across the region.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be part of this organization since 1994, and it’s been the privilege of a lifetime to lead it for the past 11 years,” George shared. “The people here — staff, partners, and the people we serve — are some of the most inspiring, resilient, and caring human beings I’ve ever known. Every day, they remind me of what’s possible when we lead with compassion and work together toward healing and hope.”
Throughout his tenure, George has championed programs and initiatives that embody HCRS’ mission. He launched the Police Social Work program, now a model across Vermont; helped establish the Sparrow Project, which offers meaningful alternatives to incarceration; and led the creation of interagency support systems to ensure no one is left without help. A licensed clinical psychologist, George has paired professional expertise with deep compassion, consistently centering the human experience in his leadership.
Beyond HCRS, George has served on numerous local, regional, and statewide boards and committees, including Governor-appointed roles and advisory positions with organizations such as Vermont 211, the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery, and the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center. He is also an active member of the Brattleboro Rotary.
Phil Blackburn, President of the HCRS Board of Directors, reflected: “George’s leadership has left a lasting mark not only on HCRS, but across the entire region we serve. His deep belief in the power of relationships, and his unwavering commitment to compassion, inclusion, and community, have shaped an agency that consistently puts people first. As we look ahead, the Board is taking a thoughtful and proactive approach to this transition. We are grateful for the strong foundation George has built — grounded in trust, connection, and mission-driven leadership — and confident in our ability to find the right person to carry that work forward.”
The HCRS Board of Directors will soon begin the process of identifying the organization’s next CEO.
A celebration of George’s leadership and contributions will be held closer to his retirement – stay tuned!
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