Eckerd Connects Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Eckerd Connects has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, administration, and organizational alignment.

Committed to empowering vulnerable populations, Eckerd Connects delivers essential child welfare, juvenile justice, and workforce development services. This mission drives the organization to foster sustainable community health and family stability across the nation.

Leadership Roles at Eckerd Connects

  • Chief Executive Officer - Michael Smith
  • Chief Financial Officer - Christopher Herro
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kimberly Brien
  • Chief of Staff - Jenny Mauk
  • Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel - Martin Peters
  • Michael Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Eckerd Connects, directs the overarching strategic vision for national child welfare and juvenile justice initiatives. Overseeing the entire organizational framework, the Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between behavioral health programs and long-term social impact goals. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to expand workforce development reach across diverse regional markets. By prioritizing operational excellence, Michael Smith directly influences the quality of care provided to families in need. The Chief Executive Officer maintains rigorous standards for program efficacy while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Through consistent focus on mission-driven growth, Smith secures the necessary resources to sustain large-scale community support systems. This executive leadership ensures that every program remains responsive to evolving societal challenges, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the organization and its commitment to positive outcomes for children and families throughout the United States.
    Michael Smith

    Christopher Herro - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Herro, the Chief Financial Officer at Eckerd Connects, oversees the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Managing complex budgets for child welfare, juvenile justice, and workforce development programs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar supports the core mission of serving families. This role involves rigorous financial planning, risk management, and the allocation of capital to maximize the impact of behavioral health services. By maintaining transparent reporting standards, Christopher Herro provides the necessary data for informed decision-making at the executive level. The Chief Financial Officer monitors regional economic trends to adjust funding strategies for national operations. Herro directs the financial team to optimize grant management and revenue streams, ensuring consistent support for vulnerable populations. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the organization, allowing for the continued delivery of essential social services across the country while maintaining strict compliance with all regulatory requirements.

    Kimberly Brien - Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Brien, the Chief Operating Officer at Eckerd Connects, directs the daily execution of child welfare and juvenile justice programs across the national footprint. Overseeing the delivery of behavioral health and workforce development services, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational protocols meet the highest standards of care. This role involves scaling service models to reach more families while maintaining consistent quality across diverse geographic regions. By optimizing internal processes, Kimberly Brien improves the efficiency of frontline teams and enhances the overall impact of community programs. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other executives to integrate new service methodologies into existing frameworks. Brien monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and innovation. Through proactive management of service delivery systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives the organization toward achieving its mission of providing comprehensive support to children and families, ensuring that every operational initiative contributes to measurable improvements in community well-being.

    Jenny Mauk - Chief of Staff

    Jenny Mauk, the Chief of Staff at Eckerd Connects, manages internal communications and coordinates cross-departmental workflows to optimize organizational efficiency. Facilitating executive decision-making processes, the Chief of Staff aligns daily operations with the broader mission of providing child welfare and behavioral health services. This role involves synthesizing complex data from various departments to support the leadership team in executing strategic priorities. By streamlining administrative functions, Jenny Mauk enhances the agility of the organization during national program expansions. The Chief of Staff monitors key performance indicators to ensure that internal resources support frontline staff effectively. Mauk bridges the gap between executive strategy and operational execution, fostering a cohesive environment across all regional offices. Through meticulous oversight of internal projects, the Chief of Staff drives accountability and ensures that the organization remains focused on delivering high-quality support to families and children within the juvenile justice and workforce development sectors.

    Martin Peters - Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel

    Martin Peters, the Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel at Eckerd Connects, manages the legal framework and administrative infrastructure supporting the organization. Overseeing compliance, risk mitigation, and corporate governance, the Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel ensures that all child welfare and juvenile justice programs operate within legal boundaries. This role involves providing strategic legal advice to the executive team while streamlining administrative policies to support organizational growth. By navigating complex regulatory environments, Martin Peters protects the reputation and operational integrity of the organization. The Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel directs the legal department to handle contracts, litigation, and policy development related to workforce development and behavioral health services. Peters maintains high standards for corporate accountability, ensuring that all administrative functions align with the mission of serving families. Through expert legal guidance and administrative oversight, the Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel facilitates the smooth execution of national initiatives, safeguarding the long-term stability of the organization.
    Martin Peters

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Eckerd Connects Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Eckerd Connects?
    Eckerd Connects is led by Michael Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Herro (Chief Financial Officer) and Kimberly Brien (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Eckerd Connects’s executive team?
    The executive team of Eckerd Connects includes leaders such as Michael Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Herro (Chief Financial Officer), Kimberly Brien (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Eckerd Connects have?
    Eckerd Connects has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Eckerd Connects’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Eckerd Connects includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel.