Remembering Barb Conniff
A member of Barb Conniff’s family said that Barb could walk into a room full of strangers and walk out with a dozen new friends. Her warmth was evident in every encounter with Barb.
CEO of Milestone Centers since 1989, Barb Conniff passed
away Oct. 17, 2015 and left behind a wonderful legacy. She was 68.
Under Barb’s leadership, Milestone grew from a small agency
that served eastern Allegheny County to a prominent
organization with a staff of 475 serving 20 counties and 2,300
individuals annually. She oversaw the development and
implementation of Milestone’s 26 client-centered programs,
including residential services, day treatment, outpatient
counseling, children's services, support to person who are deaf,
outdoor-themed learning activities and life skill training. Her
dedication to people with behavioral health and intellectual
challenges has made Milestone one of the most respected
mental health organizations in the country.
But Barb was much more than a CEO. She was a trusted leader, a trend-setter, a friend, and a tireless advocate for people with developmental and behavioral health challenges.
“Barbara Conniff was a visionary with a true passion for those she served,”” said Greg Gendron, President of the Milestone Board of Directors. “She was driven to ensure a better quality of life for those with developmental and behavioral challenges. Her impact on this field, and those served by it, was monumental.”
Milestone's Board of Directors has appointed Chief Financial Officer Gary Bell as Executive Director. Gary has been with Milestone since 1998.
(The Conniff family designated contributions in Barb's memory to the Milestone Basic Needs Fund. Gifts may be made on the Donate Now page of this website or through the mail at 600 Ross Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221.)