Chicopee, MA — [October 9, 2025] — The Board of Directors of Sunshine Village today announced the upcoming retirement of Gina Kos, the organization’s longtime President and Chief Executive Officer, after more than three decades of visionary leadership. Kos will step down at the end of April, 2026, marking the conclusion of a remarkable era of growth, innovation, and service to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Western Massachusetts.

Gina joined Sunshine Village in 1991 as the Director of Marketing and Development and, after being appointed President and CEO in 1997, guided the organization through a period of extraordinary transformation. Under her leadership, Sunshine Village grew from a $6 million agency to a $17 million nationally accredited nonprofit. Even amid the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gina successfully led the organization through a safe closure and phased reopening, rebuilding services and programs to meet the evolving needs of clients and families. Today, she leaves behind a financially strong, programmatically vibrant Sunshine Village, widely recognized as both a provider of choice for families and an employer of choice for staff.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Sunshine Village family, I want to express our deepest thanks to Gina for her years of exceptional leadership and unwavering devotion to our mission,” said Peter S. Benton, Chairman of the Sunshine Village Board of Directors. “Through her vision and heart, she built more than financial and operational strength — she nurtured a culture of excellence, compassion, and belonging. Sunshine Village shines brighter today because of her incredible legacy.”

In addition to her work at Sunshine Village, Gina has been deeply committed to strengthening the broader community. She has served in leadership roles on numerous boards and civic organizations, including MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board, Human Service Forum, Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Westfield State University Board of Trustees, and Elms College Board of Trustees. Her extensive volunteer work and community leadership have earned her multiple honors, including recognition as one of BusinessWest’s inaugural “Women of Impact” and recipient of a Paul Harris honor from the Chicopee Rotary Club and the St. Joseph Medal – Distinguished Alumni Award from Cathedral High School.

Reflecting on her impending retirement, Gina shared, "Serving Sunshine Village has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I have been endlessly inspired by the resilience and achievements of the individuals we support, the dedication of our incredible staff, and the unwavering generosity of our partners and community. While it is bittersweet to close this chapter, I leave with full confidence that Sunshine Village will continue to shine and create bright futures for many years to come."

The Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive search for the next President and CEO and is committed to ensuring a smooth leadership transition. They have engaged the Employers Association of the Northeast to assist with the Executive Search which will begin in the next few weeks.

“While we will deeply miss Gina’s presence and leadership, her legacy of excellence, innovation, and compassion will live on in every program, partnership, and person touched by Sunshine Village,” added Benton.

About Sunshine Village

Established in 1967, Sunshine Village is a private, nonprofit, CARF-accredited organization

dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Through our warm and welcoming programs, we help people live and learn, work and earn, and give and grow—providing the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to truly shine.

With four locations in Chicopee, Agawam, and Three Rivers, Sunshine Village proudly serves more than 400 individuals each year through employment, community integration, and day

habilitation services. With a team of more than 200 caring and compassionate professionals and operating with a budget of $17 million in state, federal and private funding, we are committed to creating opportunities, fostering independence, and making every day a GREAT day.

For more information, visit www.sunshine.us