LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — New Hope Community, a nonprofit organization supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), announced the promotion of Kristen Pignatelli to chief operating officer (COO).

Pignatelli joined New Hope Community in February 2018 as coordinator of corporate compliance and quality improvement. Since then, she has advanced through director and senior director roles. “Her work reflects a deep commitment to high-quality, person-centered services and organizational excellence,” New Hope said.

Pignatelli began her career in human services in 2006 as a direct support professional working with children with autism.  

As COO, Pignatelli oversees departments at New Hope, promoting collaboration, strengthening systems, refining processes, and making data-driven decisions to enhance service delivery and efficiency, New Hope said. 

 Pignatelli holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Mount Saint Mary College.

“Kristen’s promotion to chief operating officer is a reflection of her dedication, leadership and understanding of what it means to deliver person-centered supports,” said Karen Russell, CEO of New Hope Community. “She has a strong ability to bring people together, inspire teamwork, and remain focused on what matters most—the people we support and our staff.”

New Hope Community is a nonprofit human services organization that, for 50 years, has been providing support for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Its services include clinical and nursing care, residential services, day programming, community habilitation, education, recreation and leisure activities, an employment program, summer programs for youths and more. New Hope Community and the Select Human Services division provide services to over 1,100 people and employ more than 1,370 staff. Learn more at www.newhopecommunity.org.