ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester–based Hillside Family of Agencies (HFA) recently announced that it has appointed Maria Cristalli as president and CEO of the child-and-family human services organization.
Cristalli, a 27-year veteran of HFA, had been serving as interim CEO since July, after Dennis M. Richardson retired from the top leadership post on June 30.
Cristalli joined Hillside Family of Agencies in 1991 and has steadily taken on new leadership and executive responsibilities during her tenure, HFA said. As chief strategy and quality officer, she led Hillside’s strategic planning, quality improvement, business intelligence, and health-care functions throughout the agency. Cristalli was promoted to chief operating officer in January, 2017, and was named interim CEO following Richardson’s retirement.
A graduate of the University of Rochester with a master’s degree in public health, Cristalli has “devoted her career to youth and families,” according to HFA.
“Hillside is in a unique position to partner with communities to impact the lives of youth and families in this era of epochal change in human services,” Cristalli said in the release. “I am highly energized by our dedicated and capable staff, who build lasting relationships with the people we serve every day. I deeply appreciate the confidence placed in me by our Board and our staff — and I am excited to lead our organization as we continue to provide compassionate and comprehensive services.”
About Hillside
Founded in 1837, Hillside Family of Agencies says it is “one of the oldest family and youth nonprofit human-services organizations in the United States.”
The organization provides child welfare, mental and physical health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education, and developmental-disabilities services across Central and Western New York and in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Hillside said it served nearly 14,000 youth and families this year.
Hillside Family of Agencies includes Hillside Children’s Center; Stillwater Children’s Center in Greene in Chenango County; Snell Farm Children’s Center in Bath in Steuben County; Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection; and Hillside Children’s Foundation.
Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com
Photo credit: Hillside Family of Agencies
