Robert Gittens is the Executive Director for Bridges Homeward, formerly Cambridge Family and Children’s Service. Prior to joining Bridges Homeward, he was the Vice President for Public Affairs at Northeastern University from 2003 until 2016. At Northeastern he worked with President Joseph Aoun in developing and promoting partnership opportunities in the communities near Northeastern’s campus and across the City of Boston.

Bob brings the passion for the welfare of children and families for which CFCS is well-known, in addition to his significant management experience. He served as Cabinet Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services from 2001 until 2003 and was Commissioner of the Mass. Department of Youth Services (DYS) from 1997 until 2001. He was First Assistant District Attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office from 1992 until 1997 and Chairman of the Massachusetts Parole Board from 1990 until 1992.

Bob holds a JD degree from Northeastern University School of Law and a BA in Political Science from Northeastern. He currently serves on the boards of the Children’s League of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network and Commonwealth Care Alliance, The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and the George Lewis Ruffin Society. He previously played a distinguished role in the community as Chairman of the Massachusetts Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee and member of the Governor’s Youth Violence Task Force. He has also served on the boards of numerous organizations including Judge Baker Children’s Center, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Red Cross of Massachusetts, and Goodwill Industries.