This week, Mazzoni Center announced Lydia Gonzalez Sciarrino as its new CEO.
With Mazzoni Center’s annual budget of $16.5 million and a presence deeply rooted in the LGBT community in Philadelphia and beyond, the impact of this new leader will be felt far and wide. The appointment comes almost a year after a series of scandals rocked the health center, which offers a variety of services tailored to LGBT clients. Last April, then-CEO Nurit Shein was asked by the board of directors to resign along with board president Jimmy Ruiz.
Now, Mazzoni Center, after a five-month search, is finally turning the page on the past. Gonzalez Sciarrino’s career includes leadership of a range of nonprofit organizations, most recently as CEO of the Whole Family Health Center in Florida, described by its website as “offering comprehensive primary care services to the community regardless of patient’s socio-economic status and ability to pay.” Gonzalez Sciarrino previously served as CFO of the Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center in Erie.
“Every experience I’ve had will help me in this new position,” Gonzalez Sciarrino told PGN in her first public comments since being hired as CEO. “I want everyone to feel welcome and included at Mazzoni Center.”
Gonzalez Sciarrino is Mazzoni Center’s first non-LGBT CEO in nearly 40 years. Does it matter? Gonzalez Sciarrino appears to be a highly competent leader with a financial background and a demonstrated commitment to compassionate care for society’s most vulnerable members. Frankly, she could have her pick of corporate jobs. Let’s give her a chance.