William Holicky, MSW, ACSW, brings over 45 years of experience in health and human services to the OPEN MINDS team. His areas of expertise include executive management, succession planning, program design and development, financial administration and management, training and workshop development, system of care integration, and strategic planning.

Prior to joining OPEN MINDS, Mr. Holicky served a 37-year team as the Chief Executive Officer for The House of the Good Shepherd, a successful multi-service agency in Utica, New York. Under his guidance, the agency evolved into a regional system of care providers. He initiated ventures with other service providers, built partnerships with customers, achieved accreditation by the Joint Commission, successfully raised funds to support new acquisitions, and earned a reputation for quality, innovation, and successful outcomes for clients.

In his position as CEO, Mr. Holicky provided effective leadership and direction to his staff. This included actively leading, informing and reporting to an engaged 15-member Board of Directors, and negotiating service contracts, including fees and deliverables, with customers. He also identified, pursued, and implemented advantageous partnerships, collaborations, and affiliations. As a result of his dedication, The House grew into a twelve-site agency employing 375 staff, operating with an annual budget of $23M, and caring for over 400 children and family members.

Prior to joining The House, Mr. Holicky served in a variety of positions with Mount St. John, Inc. in Deep River, Connecticut. Most recently, he was the Director of Residential Services and previously served the organization in a number of positions, including entry-level childcare worker, overnight worker, dormitory supervisor, caseworker, and family therapist.

In addition, Mr. Holicky has been active in shaping the child welfare environment in NY and across the country as a past member of the Board of the Child Welfare League of America and as the current president of the Board of the New York State Council of Family and Child Caring Services.

Mr. Holicky earned his Master of Arts in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and his Bachelor of Science in Sociology/Psychology from Central Connecticut State College.