MercyFirst Executive and Leadership Team

Renee Skolaski, the President & Chief Executive Officer at MercyFirst, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Skolaski guides the integrated continuum of care for traumatized and neglected children, teenagers, and their families throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. This leadership role involves ensuring the effective delivery of services across Family Support Programs, Foster Homes and Adoption Services, Treatment Family Foster Care, Community-based Group Homes, Mother/Child Residences, and Campus-based Residential Treatment Programs. Skolaski's strategic vision ensures MercyFirst remains a leading not-for-profit human service agency, fostering growth and stability for the communities served. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions the agency's founding principles, established by the Sisters of Mercy, by driving impactful programs and maintaining strong community partnerships. Renee Skolaski's executive oversight is critical to achieving the agency's mission of providing comprehensive support and promoting well-being for all individuals under its care.

Juanita Padilla, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at MercyFirst, directs the day-to-day operations and ensures the seamless execution of the agency's diverse service offerings. Padilla oversees the integrated continuum of care, managing the operational aspects of Family Support Programs, Foster Homes and Adoption Services, Treatment Family Foster Care, Community-based Group Homes, Mother/Child Residences, and Campus-based Residential Treatment Programs. This critical role involves optimizing resource allocation and operational efficiency to maximize the impact of services for traumatized and neglected children, teenagers, and their families throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational functions align with MercyFirst's mission and strategic goals, upholding the standards set by the Sisters of Mercy. Juanita Padilla's leadership is fundamental to the agency's ability to provide consistent, high-quality care and support across all its locations. Padilla's operational oversight guarantees the effective delivery of services that promote well-being and stability.

Katya Lanfant, the Chief of Staff at MercyFirst, provides critical support to the President & Chief Executive Officer, ensuring strategic initiatives are effectively implemented across the organization. Lanfant manages key projects and facilitates communication between departments, optimizing operational workflows and driving efficiency. This role involves coordinating efforts across various service areas, including Family Support Programs, Foster Homes and Adoption Services, and residential treatment programs, ensuring alignment with MercyFirst's core mission. The Chief of Staff plays a pivotal part in enhancing the agency's capacity to serve traumatized and neglected children, teenagers, and their families throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Katya Lanfant's expertise in organizational management and strategic planning is essential for maintaining the high standards of care and operational excellence that define MercyFirst. By streamlining processes and fostering collaboration, Lanfant directly contributes to the agency's ability to deliver its integrated continuum of care.

Achim Kretschmer, the Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Information Technology at MercyFirst, architects and oversees the agency's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Kretschmer drives innovation in information technology to support the comprehensive care services provided to traumatized and neglected children, teenagers, and their families across New York. This leadership position involves managing all aspects of IT operations, ensuring data security, and implementing scalable technology solutions that enhance the delivery of Family Support Programs, Foster Homes and Adoption Services, and residential treatment programs. The Chief Technology Officer & Senior VP, Information Technology ensures that MercyFirst leverages cutting-edge technology to improve operational efficiency and expand its reach within Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. Achim Kretschmer's technical expertise is vital for maintaining robust IT systems that underpin the agency's mission and its commitment to providing essential human services. By optimizing technology, Kretschmer directly supports the agency's ability to serve its community effectively.