Voorhees, NJ – Effective September 1, 2021, Merilee Rutolo will assume the position of President and Chief Strategy Officer of Center For Family Services Inc. The organization’s long serving President and CEO, Richard Stagliano, will remain as Chief Executive Officer.

Rutolo, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Center For Family Services, will lead programmatic implementation, growth, and strategic planning for the organization.

Stagliano, who will continue to lead the organization in the Chief Executive Officer role, has more than 45 years of experience in the human services field. As a licensed clinical social worker and a licensed marriage and family counselor, Stagliano started his career in 1975. In 1981 he was hired as the Director of Counseling Services for Family Counselling Service, Inc, and was promoted to Executive Director in 1991. In the year 2000, Stagliano facilitated the merger of three small non-profits, Family Counseling Services Inc., Together Inc., and Reality House Inc., to create a new organization, Center For Family Services Inc. Following the merger, Stagliano was named President & CEO.

Since 2005, Center For Family Services has experienced rapid growth, including an increase in contracts at the federal, state, and county level, as well as several mergers and acquisitions. Center For Family Services is one of the largest and leading social services providers in the state, employing a dedicated team of 1500 staff. This new organizational restructuring puts the non-profit in a strong position for forward and future growth.

“Merilee’s leadership over the last two decades puts her in a strong position to assume the role as President and Chief Strategy Officer. She has been instrumental in our growth and success. Thanks to her, more children and families have access to high-quality care and services,” said Stagliano.

Rutolo has played a key role in Center For Family Services expansion through the years. Her expertise in program development and implementation has led to growth in all areas of specialized services within the organization. Her leadership and relationship building at all levels has led to a significant increase in partnerships that have brought in key funding to communities across the state.

Rutolo serves on the board of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers and Camden Health & Athletic Association (CHAA), is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and serves on the National Alliance for Children and Families, a tri-county prevention coalition to end sexual violence, and numerous other state and county coalitions. 

She was named one of South Jersey Magazine's Super Women of the Year in 2018 for her dedication to improving lives and communities in New Jersey. 

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Center For Family Services is a strong and innovative non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives. With services across New Jersey and a history dating back to 1920, Center For Family Services is committed to uplifting individuals and families through our innovative continuum of care