ADAPT Community Network Announces Jenna Mandel‑Ricci as the New CEO
Former NYC Health Department Chief of Staff Becomes CEO of Leading Provider of Programs and Services for New Yorkers with Disabilities Marking an Exciting New Chapter for ADAPT
NEW YORK, NY – The Board of Directors for ADAPT, the leading not-for-profit and pioneer serving New Yorkers with disabilities, today announced the confirmation of Jenna Mandel‑Ricci to become the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jenna has spent her career serving the needs of individuals, families, and communities and brings a wealth of experience in government, non-profits and healthcare, most recently serving as Chief of Staff at the New York City Health Department, helping to lead the largest local public health department in the country. She will officially begin her role as CEO on April 1, 2026.
“We are thrilled Jenna Mandel-Ricci will join the ADAPT family and lead us in our mission,” said Kelly Kaminski, ADAPT Board Chair. “Jenna is the ideal leader for ADAPT. She has dedicated her career to providing care and services for all New Yorkers. With our exceptional team, Jenna will ensure ADAPT continues to thrive as the gold standard and help grow our potential in delivering person-centered, holistic support throughout the lives of those we serve. I look forward to her getting started and engaging with our many partners, and the people and families at our core.”
“I’m honored for the opportunity to become part of the ADAPT family and their incredible legacy as a leader in the field,” said Jenna Mandel‑Ricci. “ADAPT is a strong organization filled with talented and dedicated individuals from their engaged Board, their staff who power the work each day, and those who support their efforts. Most importantly, I’m inspired by ADAPT’s people-centered, one person at a time approach and carrying that proudly on my shoulders in this role.”
Jenna Mandel-Ricci is currently Chief of Staff at the NYC Health Department, helping lead the nation’s largest and oldest local public health department. She is recognized for building strong teams, supporting staff across the agency, and fostering a positive work culture, all while advancing departmental priorities and resolving complex issues. Jenna will bring decades of experience to ADAPT. In addition to her current role at the NYC Health Department, Jenna served as Senior Vice President of Health Care System Resilience at the Greater New York Hospital Association, leading workstreams focused on regional and institutional emergency preparedness and response, and healthcare worker health and wellbeing. She has also played critical roles in non-profits focused on education, legal services for under-resourced communities, and supporting unhoused families. Jenna holds an MPH from Hunter College, an MPA from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, and a BA from Northwestern University.
ADAPT proudly offers more than 100 innovative programs, delivering top-tier education, health, technology, residential, and recreational services to over 20,000 individuals and families living with challenges including autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and neuromuscular disorders. This impact is made possible by the work of over 2,000 dedicated staff members and the guidance of ADAPT’s 15-member Board of Directors.
