Start Treatment & Recovery Centers (START) announced today that Hilary M. Castillo has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Castillo will develop, implement, and drive the operating strategy of the organization overseeing Financial Operations, Human Resources, Physical Security Operations, Facilities Management, Information Technology, and Information Security. As a strategic partner to the CEO, she’s responsible for setting the highest standards of excellence to advance institutional objectives, establishing programmatic and cross-divisional goals, and ensuring the successful delivery of services. She will also be responsible for operational crisis management and continuity of operations.
START is a leading healthcare organization offering addiction treatment, behavioral health services, and behavioral and biomedical research, which has served New York City’s disenfranchised, economically challenged, and minority communities since 1969. From the frontlines of the AIDS epidemic to the current opioid crisis plaguing the country, START has been a beacon for New Yorkers not only looking for pathways to recovery and transition, but also job training and placement, housing, and more. The behavioral and biomedical research and healthcare services arm of START will not only support their services and operations, but also be a nationally respected resource for providers across the country.
Castillo comes to START with over 20 years of business management, global operations management, and facilities management experience. Prior to joining START she served as the Vice President, Chief Global Operations and Facilities Officer for Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA). In this position, she oversaw Global facilities, Human Resources, Finance, Security, Grants and Compliance, and Information Technology for the organization’s offices in Africa and Latin America ─ creating new pathways for growth in an ever-changing environment while translating strategic organizational goals into tangible working reality. In addition, Castillo designed, implemented, and led the organization-wide strategy and change management efforts for PPFA’s Future of Work initiative in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to joining PPFA, Castillo served on the Senior Leadership Team at The Rockefeller Foundation, as the Director, Facilities and Administrative Services. She was responsible for identifying and pursuing strategic, organization-wide development initiatives, operating principles, and maintaining the Foundation’s culture in the New York Headquarters, regional offices in Nairobi, Bellagio, Bangkok, and San Francisco.
“We’re excited to add an established, experienced, and innovative leader as Ms. Castillo to our executive team as we gear up to advance and expand our organization,” said START CEO Jonnel Doris. “Our goal is to grow our capacity to serve New Yorkers by dramatically increasing our focus on research, addiction treatment and mental health services, while tackling the social determinants of health such as affordable housing, employment, family planning and support. Ms. Castillo has a proven track record with a demonstrated commitment to equity in healthcare and beyond,” I look forward to the great work she will accomplish on behalf of the communities and families across our City,” said Doris.
The addition of Ms. Castillo as Chief Operating Officer is Mr. Doris’ first major move as CEO,fitting with commitments in unprecedented investment in mental health services and START’s nationally recognized, cutting-edge behavioral and biomedical research and healthcare services.
Castillo received her MPA from New York University and bachelor’s magna cum laude in Liberal Arts from The City College of New York. She is a member of Building Owner Management Association and International Facilities Management Association, which have uniquely positioned her to assess and expand START’s physical assets.
“I am thrilled to join Mr. Doris and the START team. This is a critical time in New York and nationally, with an opioid and drug epidemic plaguing predominantly underprivileged communities of color. I look forward to expanding START’S holistic approach to treatment and recovery. I am eager to help grow START’s footprint in New York City and beyond, and expand its services and efforts in research and development,” said Hilary M. Castillo, START’s new Chief Operating Officer.
