Birch Family Services, a leading provider of education and community support services for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, announces Josh Scher as its next Chief Executive Officer. Scher, currently Birch’s Chief Financial and Operating Officer, was selected following a national search and will succeed Matt Sturiale, who will retire at the end of 2026.

Sturiale’s retirement concludes nearly five decades of service and advocacy, beginning as a direct support professional and residential program supervisor. He went on to hold senior leadership roles at YAI, including interim CEO, before becoming Birch’s president and CEO in 2016. During his decade at Birch, he has expanded educational, residential, and community-based services, grown the New Frontier employment program, and helped establish the organization’s first affordable housing initiative. His leadership has created lasting opportunities for people to pursue meaningful work, live more independently and participate fully in their communities.

Birch’s acknowledged leadership in preschool and school-age special education is expanding into support for NYC’s early education and integrated programming.

Having worked alongside Sturiale since joining Birch in 2016, Scher understands both the organization’s operations and the relationships at the heart of its mission. His growing responsibilities across all areas of operations have given him a broad view of how Birch’s schools and community programs benefit people at different stages of life, and what staff needs to do that work well.

“Matt’s leadership has left an extraordinary mark on Birch and the thousands of individuals and families whose lives have been touched by our programs,” said Kimberly Hernas, chair of Birch Family Services’ board of directors. “Josh has been an important part of that work for the past decade. He combines financial and operational expertise with a career devoted to nonprofit service and a deep respect for the people who count on Birch. He understands the responsibility that comes with the trust families place in us, and we are delighted he will lead our next chapter.”

“I am honored to lead an organization that means so much to the individuals and families who count on us,” said Scher. “The most meaningful part of my decade at Birch has been seeing what our teams help people accomplish, whether that is learning a new skill, starting a job or moving into a home of their own. Working alongside Matt has shown me what it means to put people first. I look forward to listening to our families and staff, building on his legacy and helping more people pursue the lives they want for themselves.”

Scher has helped strengthen Birch’s financial foundation and expand its capacity to serve individuals and families. He has overseen more than $105 million in annual revenue and led the organization’s first affordable housing initiative. As chief financial and operating officer, he coordinates financial and operational support for nine schools, as well as residential and community-based services, helping programs and staff secure the resources they need.

Scher’s career has centered on strengthening nonprofits that provide education, care and services to children, adults and families. Before joining Birch, he served as chief financial officer at Saint Dominic’s Family Services and budget director at JCCA and held financial leadership roles at Children’s Aid. Through that work, he has developed a deep understanding of how sound financial management sustains a nonprofit’s mission, giving staff the resources to do their best work and families dependable support to help their loved ones thrive.

Scher and Sturiale will work together through the end of the year as Birch celebrates 50 years of service. Today, the organization supports more than 2,000 individuals and their families across 35 locations in New York City. Scher will lead Birch into its next chapter, focusing on expanding opportunities for people with autism and developmental disabilities to learn, work, and live as valued members of their communities.

About Birch Family Services

Birch Family Services empowers individuals with autism and developmental disabilities to unlock their potential and lead fulfilling lives. From preschool to graduation, employment, housing, and beyond, Birch Family Services offers fully integrated programs to support individuals in achieving their goals throughout their lifetime. For 50 years, Birch Family Services has been a leading provider of education, employment, residential, and other community programs in New York. Every year, the organization supports more than 2,000 individuals with disabilities and their families across 35 locations in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. For more information, visit www.birchfamilyservices.org

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