Cristina Contreras

Cristina Contreras is a proven healthcare leader who is passionate about improving the health  of the communities she serves. She is a highly-driven, successful chief executive with over 27 years of progressive leadership experience in executive level management of inpatient, ambulatory, clinical and ancillary services hospital operations.

She has demonstrated commitment to her staff, patients, and the community and is a well-known and respected leader within New York City Health + Hospitals, the country’s largest municipal healthcare system. Ms. Contreras began her career as a caseworker, and successfully progressed through  various positions of leadership with increasing responsibility – culminating with her appointment as Chief Executive Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/ Metropolitan in East Harlem in April 2021.

With a deep commitment to public service, Ms. Contreras works tirelessly to improve access to care for underserved and immigrant communities. Embracing the diversity of New York City, she engages and works with community leaders from all cultures to provide the public with health education and resources to improve health outcomes.

During her tenure at NYC Health + Hospitals, she has successfully implemented a wide range of strategies to increase collaboration and engagement between staff, reduce costs, increase efficiencies, improve quality and enhance patient satisfaction.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Ms. Contreras earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Herbert H. Lehman College, a Master’s degree in Social Work from Fordham University, and a second Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College.

In recognition of her leadership and service to the community, Ms. Contreras has received numerous awards and accolades, including a Healthcare Hero 2021 Award from Schneps Media, the Government Service Leadership Award by 100 Hispanic Women National, a Hero of Hope and Champion of Inclusion by the NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She was selected as a Power Woman of the Bronx in 2020 and named to City & State NY’s 2021 Manhattan Power 100 List. She has also served as Chair of the National Dominican Day Parade since April 2021.