Eckerd Connects Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Eckerd Connects has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, administrative governance, public affairs, and organizational coordination.

Committed to empowering vulnerable populations, Eckerd Connects delivers essential child welfare, juvenile justice, and workforce development programs to foster long-term community stability and individual success.

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
  • Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer - Trish Mondero
  • Michael Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at Eckerd Connects, directs the national strategic vision for all child welfare and juvenile justice initiatives. Smith architects the long-term growth trajectory, ensuring alignment between behavioral health programs and organizational mission goals. By engaging with the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources to expand workforce development services across diverse regional markets. Michael Smith maintains a focus on operational excellence, driving the organization toward sustainable impact for families in need. Through rigorous oversight of executive leadership, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of accountability and innovation. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory landscapes to maintain high standards of care. Ultimately, Smith guarantees that the non-profit remains a leader in social services, providing critical support systems that empower communities and improve outcomes for children nationwide.
    Michael Smith

    Christopher Herro - Chief Financial Officer

    Christopher Herro, the Chief Financial Officer at Eckerd Connects, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of all national programs. Herro oversees financial planning, reporting, and risk management to ensure the long-term viability of child welfare and behavioral health services. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of workforce development initiatives across various states. Christopher Herro collaborates with the executive team to align financial strategies with the broader mission of the organization. This role involves maintaining strict compliance with funding requirements and grant management protocols. Through precise financial modeling, the Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency and transparency in all fiscal operations. By securing the financial foundation of the non-profit, Herro enables the delivery of high-quality care to families. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the success of the programs.

    Kimberly Brien - Chief Operating Officer

    Kimberly Brien, the Chief Operating Officer at Eckerd Connects, directs the daily delivery of child welfare and juvenile justice programs across the national network. Brien architects scalable operational frameworks that improve the quality of behavioral health services and workforce development initiatives. By overseeing regional program managers, the Chief Operating Officer ensures consistent service standards and compliance with state requirements. Kimberly Brien collaborates with the executive team to refine service delivery models, driving efficiency in the field. This role involves monitoring performance metrics to identify opportunities for program improvement and expansion. Through the implementation of standardized operational procedures, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the impact of the organization on families and children. By focusing on the practical application of social services, Brien supports the overall mission of the non-profit. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that all programs operate effectively to meet community needs.

    Jenny Mauk - Chief of Staff

    Jenny Mauk, the Chief of Staff at Eckerd Connects, coordinates cross-functional initiatives to streamline organizational operations and internal communications. Mauk facilitates the execution of strategic priorities, ensuring that child welfare and juvenile justice departments remain synchronized with the executive vision. By managing the flow of information between the leadership team and the broader organization, the Chief of Staff enhances operational agility. Jenny Mauk drives the implementation of internal policies that support workforce development and behavioral health service delivery. This role involves overseeing special projects that address critical gaps in service provision across the national footprint. Through effective project management, the Chief of Staff optimizes the daily functions of the executive office. By fostering collaboration among departments, Mauk ensures that the organization meets its performance targets. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff maintains the operational rhythm necessary for the non-profit to achieve its mission.

    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 all national programs. Peters provides legal guidance on child welfare regulations and juvenile justice policies, ensuring full compliance across every jurisdiction. By overseeing administrative functions, the Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel drives the development of internal policies that protect the organization and its clients. Martin Peters collaborates with the executive team to mitigate risk while supporting the expansion of behavioral health and workforce development services. This role involves managing complex legal matters and administrative processes that underpin the non-profit's operations. Through rigorous oversight of governance and legal affairs, the Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to ethical service delivery. Ultimately, Peters secures the legal and administrative foundation required for the non-profit to fulfill its mission.
    Martin Peters

    Trish Mondero - Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer

    Trish Mondero, the Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer at Eckerd Connects, directs the national messaging and public engagement strategies for all child welfare and workforce development programs. Mondero architects campaigns that raise awareness for behavioral health and juvenile justice initiatives, strengthening the reputation of the organization. By managing relationships with stakeholders and public officials, the Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer drives support for the non-profit's mission. Trish Mondero oversees internal and external communications to ensure alignment with the strategic goals of the executive team. This role involves crafting narratives that highlight the impact of services on families and communities. Through strategic public affairs efforts, the Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer expands the reach of the organization's advocacy work. By fostering positive public perception, Mondero enables the non-profit to secure necessary resources. Ultimately, the Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer ensures that the mission remains visible and supported.
    Trish Mondero

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    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 6 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.