Craig Gordon

President & CEO, Communities for People

With over 45 years of experience at Communities for People (CFP), Craig is CFP’s second-ever CEO.  He has earned a reputation as a creative pioneer in providing quality care for youth and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. His journey with CFP began as a Direct Care worker when he was a student at Brandeis University, where he received his undergraduate degree in psychology and politics.  He became the first Regional Director in Rhode Island to initiate CFP’s programs there. During his tenure, he established a comprehensive set of programs and services to support Rhode Island youth, including family support programs, evidence-based programs, treatment foster care, and independent living programs. 

Craig built lasting partnerships with community organizations and became a vital figure in Rhode Island and Massachusetts’ advocacy efforts to provide comprehensive services for youth impacted by the states’ foster care systems. In 2014, he became CFP’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), where his responsibilities included managing programmatic, clinical and workforce needs for all programs in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Craig has also served on state and provider-led committees and workgroups, where he contributed his expertise to improve the quality of care for youth in the child welfare system.  He served in multiple board roles in several state associations, in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island including Chairperson of Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families (RICCF).

As CFP’s President and CEO, Craig now leads over 200 employees, 15+ programs, a budget of $25+ million, and management services for 5 other nonprofits. Under Gordon’s leadership, CFP has furthered its position as an established provider and innovator in youth and family services. He remains committed to developing programs and partnerships that ensure all youth and families receive high-quality services irrespective of their background or circumstance.