A familiar face is taking the reins of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS).
The Island nonprofit announced Tuesday that Scott Turton, who first joined the organization in 2021 as chief administrative officer, was appointed as the next chief executive officer.
Turton, who has been interim CEO since March, said in a press release that he is “deeply honored” to be given an opportunity to lead the organization that “means so much to me both professionally and personally.”
“MVCS truly belongs to the Martha’s Vineyard community and embodies the care and compassion of the dedicated team that I have the privilege to work with every day,” Turton said in the release. “I am excited to build on their incredible accomplishments, as well as the contributions of our board, volunteers, partners, and many generous donors. I look forward to continuing our important work together to ensure MVCS remains a vital resource for islanders for generations to come.”
Turton takes over the seat left empty by Dean Teague, who resigned in March for unclear reasons just a year after entering the role. As interim CEO, Turton “guided MVCS through a period of significant growth and transformation, overseeing day-to-day operations while advancing major organizational and campus initiatives, including the construction of the agency’s new headquarters in Oak Bluffs,” the release said
As CEO, Turton oversees MVCS’ “wide-ranging services, including behavioral health, disability services, early childhood programs, domestic violence prevention, family support, veterans’ services, and other programs addressing critical needs across the Island,” the release states. Additionally, Turton will direct the MVCS ongoing campus expansion and efforts to increase access to services.
Turton brings decades of experience in leadership roles. The release said he previously spent 20 years on Gosnold in clinical and administrative leadership roles. He also holds a Master of Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University and a bachelor’s degree in European history from Western University.
Amy Gavin, MVCS board president, said in the release “Scott leads with vision, purpose, and grace.”
“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone with Scott’s experience, knowledge, and commitment at the helm of MVCS at this pivotal time in the agency’s history,” Gavin said in the release. “Scott has been at the heart of MVCS for years, and he understands the client-driven mission and day-to-day workings of the organization. He knows our people, programs, challenges, and, most importantly, the community we serve.”
