Senate Resolution No. 416

BY: Senator PARKER

HONORING Cristina Contreras upon the occasion of
her designation for special recognition at the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala on
March 9, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend individuals whose leadership, dedication, and service have
transformed communities and improved lives; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Cristina Contreras upon the occasion of her designation for special
recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards Gala, to
be held on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in celebration of Women's History
Month under the theme "Women of Destiny"; and

WHEREAS, Born in the Dominican Republic, Cristina Contreras is a
visionary healthcare leader with nearly three decades of experience in
hospital administration, clinical operations, and executive management,
tirelessly working to improve healthcare access and quality for
underserved communities; and

WHEREAS, Cristina Contreras began her career as a caseworker,
demonstrating an unwavering commitment to patient advocacy and community
service, which led to a steady rise through the ranks of New York City
Health + Hospitals, the nation's largest municipal healthcare system;
and

WHEREAS, In 2024, Cristina Contreras was appointed Chief Executive
Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, located in the South Bronx,
after previously serving as Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health +
Hospitals/Metropolitan from 2021 to 2024; in these roles, she expanded
access to care, strengthened hospital operations, recruited and mentored
outstanding talent, and advanced programs of excellence; and

WHEREAS, A champion of innovation, operational excellence, and
strategic collaboration, Cristina Contreras is widely recognized for
creating an organizational culture rooted in authenticity, kindness, and
transparency, ensuring that staff well-being translates to better
patient outcomes; and

WHEREAS, Cristina Contreras' passion for public service and
dedication to healthcare equity have earned her numerous accolades,
including recognition on the City & State Power Players List, the
Government Service Leadership Award by 100 Hispanic Women National, and
the Hero of Hope and Champion of Inclusion Award by the NYC Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce; and

WHEREAS, Beyond her role as a healthcare executive, Cristina
Contreras is deeply involved in community leadership, serving as Chair
of the National Dominican Day Parade since 2021, as well as on the Board
of the NY Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association and the Board of
Directors of R.A.I.N. Total Care, Inc.; and


WHEREAS, A lifelong advocate for education and professional
development, Cristina Contreras holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work
from Herbert H. Lehman College, a Master's degree in Social Work from
Fordham University, and a Master's degree in Public Administration from
Baruch College; in 2023, she was awarded the New York College of
Podiatric Medicine's honorary degree of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa in
recognition of her extraordinary contributions to healthcare and public
service; and

WHEREAS, Cristina Contreras exemplifies the spirit of leadership,
resilience, and service, using her expertise to uplift communities,
advocate for the underserved, and inspire the next generation of
healthcare professionals; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Cristina Contreras upon the occasion of her designation for
special recognition at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Visionary Awards
Gala, commending her for her unparalleled contributions to healthcare,
leadership, and community service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Cristina Contreras.