Carolyn Portanova, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Family Center, will retire Jan. 1, 2012, the human-services agency announced Tuesday, March 29. CFC is an affiliate of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester.
Portanova has led the agency since 1989, overseeing its growth into the largest multi-service organization in Monroe County, with a budget of $27 million.
"CFC is poised to meet the challenges ahead," Portanova said in a statement. "Our financial position is strong and we have embraced a strategic plan that will serve us well into the future. Our clients are in good hands. It is because of these things – confidence in the future and gratitude for the past – that it is now time for me to pass the torch to a new leader."
Before heading Catholic Family Center, Portanova served as director of the agency’s Restart Substance Abuse Services from 1983 to 1989. In that role, she developed a nationally recognized substance-abuse treatment model.
Portanova has received numerous honors, including a 1986 award from the New York state Division of Substance Abuse Services for outstanding contributions to the field of substance abuse treatment, the 1992 Executive of the Year Award from the United Way of Greater Rochester, a 2005 Athena Award from the Women’s Council of the Rochester Business Alliance, and an AARP 50th anniversary New York State Social Impact Award.
"Together we have planned thoughtfully and carefully for this time, and therefore, anticipate a seamless transition to a new President and CEO selected by our Succession Search Committee," noted a statement from CFC board chairman Anthony J. Adams Jr.
Portanova said she intends to stay fully engaged in the Rochester community after her retirement.
