The following is from the Winter 2022 issue of VISION.
The New York Foundling welcomed Melanie Hartzog as the organization’s new President and CEO on January 18. Hartzog will succeed longtime leader, Bill Baccaglini, who is retiring. Hartzog, who recently completed her term as New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, assumed the role of President of The Foundling while Baccaglini will continue as CEO. After an appropriate period of transition, Baccaglini will step down and Hartzog will assume the title of President and CEO.
“The Board of Trustees is very excited to have Melanie join The Foundling — with her remarkable depth of knowledge and experience, we have no doubt that she is the perfect person to lead us to greater levels of success, positively impacting all those who we serve,” said Robert E. King, Chairman of the Board of The New York Foundling.
Hartzog has spent her career uplifting the city’s most vulnerable. In her recent role as Deputy Mayor, she was responsible for guiding the city’s response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and oversees the social services agencies that deliver care and assistance to New York’s vulnerable populations, including seniors, the homeless, children, and victims of domestic violence.
“Advocating to improve the lives of children and families in underserved and underrepresented communities in New York City has been the focus of my work for many years. I’ve dedicated my entire career to ensuring that every person, no matter their circumstance or zip code, has the resources and tools to thrive. This is at the center of The Foundling’s mission, and I am humbled to have the opportunity to add to the rich history and deep impact of this change-making organization,” said Melanie. “I want to thank Bill for his tremendous leadership and Bob and the entire Board of Trustees for their confidence and faith in me.”
Bill Baccaglini, retiring President and CEO of The Foundling, said, “It has been a great pleasure to have been at The Foundling for nearly 20 years, and I know that in Melanie’s incredibly capable hands, The Foundling will continue to drive change and improve the lives of those we have the privilege to serve. Melanie comes to The Foundling with the stature, vision, and experience that will enable this great institution to continue to be responsive, innovative, and forward thinking. I am honored and excited for Melanie to join our team and can’t wait to see the great things that I’m sure our future holds.”
Founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1869, The Foundling is the oldest ministry of the Sisters of Charity Ministry Network. Sr. Donna Dodge, President of the Congregation, said, “I have had the opportunity of spending some time speaking with Melanie, and I am confident that the mission of The Foundling is in great hands. I don’t think there could be a better successor to Bill. On behalf of the Sisters of Charity, welcome to the family, Mel.”
Courtesy of The New York Foundling