Ocean Partnership for Children‘s board of trustees has announced it appointed Victoria Azzopardi as its new CEO, effective March 1. Azzopardi will be taking over for the current executive director, Mary Jo Buchanan, who is retiring as of March 31.
Azzopardi is a mission-driven professional, who has been with Ocean Partnership for Children as the director of clinical operations since 2006. She has extensive experience in the New Jersey Children’s System of Care, as well as experience in care management, intensive in-home therapy and as the residential team leader with Value Options (currently PeformCare). She also has served as faculty liaison for students and supervisors with Adelphi University and as a field placement supervisor. She has overseen the incredible growth of Ocean’s Care Management Organization, led the Care Management Department in achieving CARF accreditation, and successfully led Ocean Partnership through the unification process with Youth Case Management Services.
“I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Ocean Partnership for Children — an agency that holds a special place in my heart, and whose mission resonates with my core values,” Azzopardi said.
Azzopardi has her Master of Direct Clinical Practice in social work and her Bachelor of Arts in social work from Rutgers University. She is a New Jersey Licensed Clinical Social Worker, has her Clinical Supervision Certification, and is a Nurtured Heart Certified Trainer. She is also very active in the Ocean County community, serving on the county’s Overdose Fatality Review Committee, Children in Court, the Juvenile Justice Detention Alternative Committee, as well as many other county and statewide associations.
“I eagerly anticipate this extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with our dedicated staff, engage with our esteemed board and strengthen our partnerships within the community,” Azzopardi said.
“Together, we will continue to serve the 1,100 youth and their families in Ocean County who need our support the most. I am genuinely excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we can create together.”
Ocean Partnership for Children is a nonprofit organization available at no cost to all youth and families in Ocean County who meet the eligibility criteria of the New Jersey Children’s System of Care.
