March 9, 2015 — The Honorable Ronald E. Richter, former Commissioner of New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, has been chosen by the Board of Trustees of JCCA as the new Chief Executive Officer. Founded in 1822, JCCA is one of the oldest and largest child and family service organizations in the country.
Currently a New York State Family Court Judge, Mr. Richter brings more than two decades of experience in child and family services and is highly regarded in the field. He will assume his responsibilities on May 18, 2015. He succeeds CEO Richard Altman who is retiring after 35 years of devoted service to JCCA and a total of 45 years in child and family services.
Peter Hauspurg, President of JCCA’s Board of Trustees, said, “Ron Richter brings great expertise to this position and is an innovative and strategic thinker. He has a deep commitment to improving the lives of the vulnerable children and families we serve.”
According to Mr. Richter, “I have worked with Richard Altman and JCCA for 13 years and respect their reputation for excellence. JCCA is an organization that puts young people first, taking some of the toughest cases and transforming lives. I want to build on that reputation and help shape city, state and federal policy on such critical issues as managed care, mental health and best practices for children and family services.”
Adds Mr. Altman, “I know Ron well and am confident that he will continue in JCCA’s tradition of effective and compassionate leadership that has enabled us to grow and flourish.”
In the past 12 years, the number of JCCA programs has doubled to 40, the budget has doubled to $110 million, the staff has doubled to 1,400 and JCCA helps more than 16,000 children and families annually. JCCA serves vulnerable children of all backgrounds. Programs include foster care, mental health and prevention services, residential treatment, services to recent immigrants, education and early childhood services, and services to children with special needs. Its work is motivated by tikkun olam – the value in Jewish tradition that calls upon all of us to repair the world.
Mr. Richter has been a New York State Family Court Judge since leaving ACS in 2013. Prior to being appointed Commissioner, he served as ACS Deputy Commissioner and as New York City’s Family Services Coordinator in Mayor Bloomberg’s Administration. He graduated from Tufts University and received a Master of Science and law degree from Boston University.