Cristina S. Contreras’ Biography

Photo by Ray Swaby, Smooth Designs Studio

Born in the Dominican Republic, Cristina S. Contreras is a proven health care leader that is passionate about improving the health of the communities she serves. Embracing the diversity of New York City, Cristina engages and works with different community leaders from all cultures, together with local elected officials, to provide the public with opportunities for health education to improve health outcomes.

Cristina obtained her bachelor’s degree from Herbert H. Lehman College, Master of Social Work from Fordham University and Master of Public Administration from Baruch College. In April 2021, she was appointed Chair of the National Dominican Day Parade.

Since 1995, when she started her health care career as a caseworker for NYC Health + Hospitals, the largest public health care system in the United States, Cristina has accumulated vast experience in the management of inpatient, ambulatory, clinical and ancillary services. She has successfully progressed through various positions of leadership with increasing responsibility. Her demonstrated commitment to her staff, patients and the community has made her a well-known and respected civil servant. In April 2021, Cristina was appointed Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan in East Harlem, Manhattan.

In recognition of her leadership and service to the community, Cristina was selected as a 2021 Healthcare Hero by Schneps Media, awarded the Government Service Leadership Award by 100 Hispanic Women National, honored by the New York City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as a Hero of Hope and Champion of Inclusion, and selected as a Bronx Power Woman in 2020.

Cristina was appointed to Community Board 11 in 2021 by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.