About Cristina

Cristina Contreras, LMSW, MPA, FABC, is a powerhouse healthcare executive with an unparalleled track record of success. As the Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, she has transformed the East Harlem facility into a beacon of excellence in the country’s largest municipal healthcare system.

With nearly three decades of progressive leadership experience, Cristina has consistently delivered extraordinary results by leveraging her strategic vision to drive efficiencies and improve quality. Her ability to enhance patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and physician retention directly leads to increased hospital profitability. By creating a positive work environment that boosts employee engagement and motivation, Cristina achieves remarkable milestones, such as higher patient satisfaction, lower readmission rates, and improved health outcomes for the diverse communities she serves.

Cristina’s educational background is equally impressive. She holds a BSW from Herbert H. Lehman College, an MSW from Fordham University, an MPA from Baruch College, and an honorary doctorate from NY College of Podiatric Medicine. This unique combination of clinical expertise and business acumen has equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complex healthcare landscape and deliver exceptional results.

Throughout her career, Cristina has been recognized for her outstanding leadership and community service. She has been named a Manhattan Power Woman by Schneps Media, received the Government Service Leadership Award from 100 Hispanic Women National, and was honored as a Hero of Hope and Champion of Inclusion by the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she has been featured on City & State NY’s prestigious Manhattan Power 100 List in both 2022 and 2023.

Cristina’s influence extends beyond the walls of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan. She serves as the Chair of the National Dominican Day Parade and holds board positions at R.A.I.N. Total Care, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the NALHE Tri-State Advisory Board. These roles demonstrate her deep commitment to advancing healthcare equity and improving the lives of those she serves.

• Current Role: Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
  • Tenure: April 2021 – Present
  • Key Achievements: Spearheaded transformations leading to a Gold Safe Sleep Hospital certification, substantial funding for patient care equipment, and the ribbon-cutting of the 5W Resident Lounge.
• Previous Position: Various leadership roles at NYC Health & Hospitals/ North Central Bronx
  • Tenure: February 2008 – April 2021
  • Roles: Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer, among others.
  • Key Achievements: Developed financial infrastructures resulting in over $3 million in savings, implemented strategic healthcare initiatives, and led The Joint Commission Survey to identify several best practices.
• Early Career: NYC Health & Hospitals/Coney Island
  • Tenure: August 1995 – February 2008
  • Roles: Associate Director, Coordinating Manager, Women & Children’s Health – Social Work Supervisor, Caseworker
  • Key Achievements: Improved provider productivity, reorganized patient service areas, and enhanced operational workflows.

Throughout her illustrious career, Cristina has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, reflecting her impact on healthcare and the community:

• Manhattan Power 100 List: Featured in 2022 and 2023 for her influential role in New York’s healthcare landscape.
• Power Woman of Manhattan: Recognized by Schneps Media for her leadership and contribution to healthcare.
• Healthcare Leadership Award: Received from 100 Hispanic Women National, celebrating her service and dedication.
• Hero of Hope and Champion of Inclusion: Honored by the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for her commitment to inclusivity and hope.
• Community Trailblazer Award: Awarded by the Dominican Bar Association, acknowledging her pioneering efforts in community health.

Cristina’s journey and accomplishments exemplify a lifetime commitment to healthcare excellence, leadership, and community service. Her work continues to inspire and impact the lives of many across New York and beyond.

• Hospital Operations Management: Achieved substantial year-to-year growth, with increases of 3% in Ambulatory Care visits, 6% in Emergency Department visits, 9% in Operating Room volume, and 10% in patient discharges. Improved financial health with a $34 million net budget variance, reversing a deficit into a surplus and exceeding budget expectations from January 2023 to January 2024.
• Access to Quality Care: Advanced patient care through technological innovations, including the implementation of Patient Secure Palm scanning across registration areas, and the introduction of minimally invasive robotic surgeries in gynecology, urology, bariatric, and general surgery, significantly improving surgical outcomes and patient recovery times. Recognized with awards such as the Baby-Friendly Hospital designation by Baby-Friendly USA and the Gold Safe Sleep Hospital from the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, affirming commitment to best practices in maternal and infant care.
• Inclusive Healthcare Practices: Led the initiative to offer gender-affirming surgeries, completing the 200th procedure and establishing the hospital as a leader in inclusive care. Championed diversity and inclusivity, earning recognition as the most racially inclusive hospital in New York State for three consecutive years, and accolades from the American Heart Association for excellence in stroke and heart failure management.