Rochester, NY – Hillside Family of Agencies today announced a number of executive leadership shifts that will occur over the remainder of 2016.
Clyde Comstock, Chief Operating Officer, has announced his retirement effective January 1, 2017. “In 32 years with Hillside, Clyde has distinguished himself as an extraordinary leader, a passionate supporter of Hillside’s mission and strategic intent, and a true advocate for our evolving work with youth and families,” said Dennis Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hillside Family of Agencies. “His regular contributions to Hillside will be missed by all of us.”
Succeeding Comstock as Chief Operating Officer will be Maria Cristalli, currently Hillside’s Chief Strategy & Quality Officer and Executive Director of Snell Farm Children’s Center (SFCC) in Bath, NY. A 25-year Hillside veteran, Cristalli brings to her new role a depth of knowledge in public health and an emphasis on data-driven principles. Following her departure from the Chief Strategy & Quality Officer role, that position will be redefined as a Chief Practice and Performance Excellence Officer who will be responsible for ensuring that Hillside’s services remain high quality, adhere to evidence-based process models, and yield consistently positive outcomes.
A. Thomas Hildebrandt, President of Hillside Children’s Foundation (HCF), will relinquish his position later this year. He will continue as Special Assistant to the CEO, focusing on governance, institutional relationships and special projects. “Tom’s 14-year stewardship of our fundraising efforts has generated generous community support that has propelled our ability to grow and evolve,” Richardson said.
Public searches have begun for the Chief Practice and Performance Excellence Officer and the next HCF President. A new SFCC Executive Director will also be identified.
“These changes reflect careful long-term planning, particularly with regard to Hillside’s ongoing evolution to meet anticipated community needs,” Richardson added. “All of Hillside owes a debt to Clyde, Maria and Tom for their longtime and continued service, and for their commitment to improving the lives of the youths and families with whom we partner.”
About Hillside Family of Agencies: Founded in 1837, Hillside Family of Agencies is one of the oldest family and youth non-profit human services organizations in the United States. The organization provides child welfare, mental health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education, and developmental disabilities services across central and western New York and in Prince George’s County, MD. In 2014 Hillside served more than 10,000 youth and families. Hillside Family of Agencies includes Hillside Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Foundation, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, Stillwater Children’s Center and Snell Farm Children’s Center.