Tino Hernandez to Step Down After Ten Successful Years as President & CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village

(May 22, 2018 - New York, NY) Tino Hernandez will step down as President & CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village this summer, it was announced today.

During Mr. Hernandez’ ten-year tenure, he oversaw the merger of Samaritan Village with both Veritas (2013) and Daytop Village (2015), significantly growing the agency’s scope of services. Today, Samaritan Daytop Village remains a pioneer in substance use treatment.

Nationally recognized for its work in substance use treatment, specialized services for veterans, and housing, Samaritan Daytop Village’s continuum of services includes addiction treatment, health care, mental health care, care coordination, recovery services, shelter, transitional and permanent housing assistance and services for veterans and seniors.

Under Mr. Hernandez’ leadership, Samaritan Daytop Village’s budget grew from $23 million to approximately $200 million. Annually, Samaritan Daytop Village serves over 28,000 vulnerable New Yorkers at more than 50 facilities throughout New York City, Long Island and upstate New York.

“Under Tino Hernandez’ leadership, Samaritan Daytop Village has been a beacon of hope for New Yorkers struggling with substance use disorders,” said New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “It has been a pleasure working with Mr. Hernandez, and I look forward to a continued partnership with Samaritan Daytop Village and his successor.”

On Mr. Hernandez’ watch, Samaritan Daytop Village has matured into the place “Where Good Lives,” helping thousands of New Yorkers reclaim their lives every day. Yet ten years ago, when he returned to the agency after a prominent 15-year career in government, the organization faced a changing and challenging health care environment. Mr. Hernandez envisioned ways to transform the agency into a premier service provider and position it for health care reform, working closely with staff, the Board, the Samaritan Daytop Foundation and their partners.

He embarked on a series of strategic initiatives including efforts to strengthen and expand the agency’s mission to encompass services for those battling substance use disorder, homelessness and mental illness, as well as for seniors and veterans in need; rebrand the organization to reflect its expanded services; diversify and deepen funding streams and services to create a comprehensive continuum of care; expand the agency’s housing portfolio consistent with its mission to assist clients; and enhance Samaritan Daytop Village’s commitment to quality care through evidenced-based and best practices linked to research.

Mr. Hernandez said of his departure, “This was a very difficult decision for me and it’s a bit like leaving home again. It has been my privilege to lead this incredible organization and I am extremely proud of all that Samaritan Daytop Village has accomplished to assist New Yorkers in need. I will watch with much excitement, and perhaps with a bit of envy, as under new leadership it continues to grow and improve the quality of life for thousands of New Yorkers.”

Mitchell Netburn, who has served for eight years as President & CEO of Project Renewal, an organization dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness by empowering individuals and families to renew their lives with health, homes and jobs, has been named Samaritan Daytop Village’s new President and CEO. Under Mr. Netburn’s leadership Project Renewal has become universally recognized as a premier agency for its respectful, compassionate, innovative and results oriented approach to serving homeless individuals and families, and those with mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Mr. Hernandez will assist with the transition and depart the agency by mid-July 2018.

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About Samaritan Daytop Village: For more than 50 years, Samaritan Daytop Village has been improving the quality of life for New Yorkers facing adversity. We are nationally-recognized for our work in treatment for substance use disorder, specialized services for veterans, and services for homeless individuals and families. Our continuum of services includes health care, mental health care, addiction treatment, recovery services, transitional and permanent housing assistance, and services for seniors. Annually, Samaritan Village serves over 28,000 people at more than 50 facilities throughout New York City, Long Island and upstate New York.