New role begins on May 1, 2024
Palo Alto, CA (April 24, 2024) — Avenidas, an organization with services and programs devoted to older adults in the San Francisco mid-Peninsula, announces Kristina Lugo, LCSW, has been named President and CEO, effective May 1, 2024. Amy Yotopoulos, who resigned in late January, will remain with Avenidas through May 23, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition.
Over the last six years, Lugo has served Avenidas in a number of roles, including as the Program Director of Avenidas Rose Kleiner Center, where she doubled the number of clients, and Vice President of Programs. In addition, she has held senior clinical, program, and operational positions at San Francisco’s Institute on Aging and Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging. A licensed clinical social worker, Lugo also served on the board of California Association of Adult Day Services and currently serves on the board of Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside.
“At Avenidas, I have found the place where my passion for supporting older adults as they age in place aligned with the values of the organization,” said Kristina Lugo, incoming Avenidas President & CEO. “In this new role, I plan to leverage strategic planning and financial management, nurture strong relationships with community partners, and continue the organization’s mission of helping older adults be active, engaged, and healthy.”
A Search Committee comprised of Avenidas Board members received several hundred applications for this role.
“Kristina is the right leader for Avenidas,” said David Gordon, Avenidas Board Chair. “Her extensive background in aging services and passionate advocacy for older adults will help Avenidas strengthen our partnerships, implement our Strategic Plan, and enhance the program and services that fuel our mission.”
“For nearly three years, I’ve worked alongside Kristina — through a COVID-19 pandemic and recovery and a strategic planning process — and can attest to her commitment to our community and transformational leadership,” said Amy Yotopoulos, current President & CEO. “The future of Avenidas is bright with Kristina at the helm.”
Kristina Lugo, LCSW, earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and her master’s degree in social work at Virginia Commonwealth University. She was a LeadingAge California EMERGE fellow, a launching pad for the next generation of leaders in aging, in 2018.
To prepare for this organizational transition, Lugo and Yotopoulos will begin an immediate search for a new Vice President of Programs. Individuals interested in this role can get more information at: https://www.avenidas.org/about/careers/.
About Avenidas
Since 1969, Avenidas services and programs have been helping older adults in the San Francisco mid-Peninsula area be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible. Annually, Avenidas serves more than 4,300 older adults through nearly 52,000 encounters in two adult enrichment centers and one adult day care center located in Palo Alto and Mountain View. Whether seniors require rides to a doctor’s office, counseling sessions, or technology assistance, or if they want to develop a new interest, take an exercise class, or make new friends, Avenidas is here for them.
Photos
High resolution images are available for use by the media. Please contact Michelle T. Shinseki, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, at mshinseki@avenidas.org.
Contact:
Michelle T. Shinseki
650-289-5427
mshinseki@avenidas.org
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