Amherst Survival Center Appoints Carleen Basler as Interim Executive Director
Carleen Basler
Source: Amherst Survival Center
The Amherst Survival Center (ASC) Board of Directors announced on September 12, 2025, that Carleen Basler, Senior Director of Programs at the ASC, has been appointed Interim Executive Director, effective October, 6, 2025, providing skillful and steady leadership during this period of transition, and ensuring full continuity of all essential Amherst Survival Center programs while the Board conducts a search for the next Executive Director. Outgoing Executive Director, Lev BenEzra, will remain at the agency until her last day on October 10, 2025.
Basler has been a central leader at the Center for a decade, guiding its programs with skill, compassion, and steady vision. Since joining ASC in 2015, she has overseen the design and delivery of every major program, from food and nutrition services to volunteer engagement, ensuring that the center meets the urgent needs of thousands of neighbors each year with dignity and respect.
“Carleen has been at the heart of the center’s service to our community,” said Jennifer Moyston, Board President. “Her leadership ensures continuity and stability during this time of transition, and we are deeply grateful that she will be stepping into this role as we prepare for the next chapter.”
As Senior Director of Programs, Basler manages all program areas, supervises staff, and has played a pivotal role planning and launching new and expanded programs ranging from the center’s response during the pandemic to the new Campus Pantry at UMass Amherst. She has helped build a welcoming and inclusive environment throughout.
Basler shared her gratitude for the opportunity to lead ASC through this transition:
“The Amherst Survival Center is a remarkable community, and I am honored to serve as Interim Executive Director,” Basler said. “Together with our dedicated staff, volunteers, community members and supporters, I look forward to ensuring that all of our programs remain strong and that participants continue to find connection, hope, and the resources they need.”
Outgoing Executive Director Lev BenEzra recently announced her departure after seven years at the helm of the Amherst Survival Center to become the Executive Director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, the region’s largest anti-poverty agency. BenEzra expressed full confidence in Basler’s appointment:
“Carleen has helped shape every programmatic success at the center over the last ten years,” said BenEzra. “Her deep knowledge of our community, strong leadership, and steady presence will ensure that the Amherst Survival Center continues to thrive in this time of transition. The center could not be in better hands.”
The Board of Directors also announced that it will open their search for Amherst Survival Center’s next Executive Director within the coming week. Details will be posted at amherstsurvival.org/jobs.