Vermont Business Magazine Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), southeastern Vermont’s non-profit community mental health agency, has announced that Chief Executive Officer George Karabakakis, Ph.D., will retire at the end of June 2026, after more than 30 years of service to the agency, including the past 11 years as CEO.
Since stepping into the CEO role in 2014, Karabakakis has led HCRS through a period of transformational growth — increasing the agency’s budget from $48 million to over $73 million — while expanding access to care, deepening community partnerships, and cultivating a culture of respect, transparency, and inclusion. He is widely known for his unwavering belief in our shared humanity and his commitment to building authentic relationships across every level of the organization and the communities it serves.
“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,” said Karabakakis. “The people here — staff, partners, and the individuals 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.”
Karabakakis shared that his decision to step down is rooted in his desire to spend more time with family and loved ones, and to begin the next chapter of his life with gratitude and reflection.
He began his HCRS journey as a clinician in 1994 and went on to serve in leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer, Director of Adult Outpatient and Emergency Services, and Director of Children’s Services. In 2003, he launched the agency’s highly regarded Police Social Work program, now a model across Vermont. He also led the development of several innovative initiatives, including the Sparrow Project, which provides meaningful alternatives to incarceration for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, and an interagency support team designed to ensure no one falls through the cracks of the system.
A licensed clinical psychologist in Vermont, Karabakakis has brought both clinical insight and compassion to his leadership. He has served on numerous local, regional, and statewide boards and committees — including Governor-appointed roles and advisory positions with Vermont 211, Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery, and many others. He is currently an active member of the Brattleboro Rotary.
The Board of Directors will soon form a search committee to begin the process of identifying HCRS’ next CEO.
Phil Blackburn, HCRS Board President, shared, “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. We’re incredibly thankful for his vision and look forward to honoring his legacy by continuing the important work he has championed.”
A celebration of George’s leadership and contributions will be held closer to his retirement.
About HCRS
Founded in 1967, HCRS is a non-profit, community mental health agency serving Vermonters in Windham and Windsor counties. HCRS serves over 4,000 individuals every year through its mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities programs. The Agency provides a wide range of social services that support optimal mental health and functioning. Visit www.hcrs.org for more information.
SPRINGFIELD, VT – August 19, 2025 – Health Care and Rehabilitation Services