FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Syntero, Inc. Announces Retirement of CEO Julie Erwin-Rinaldi After 15 Years of Transformative Leadership
(Dublin, Ohio – February 28, 2024) – After 15 years of dedicated service, Julie Erwin-Rinaldi, CEO of Syntero, Inc. has announced her retirement from the non-profit, Syntero, Inc, effective August 2024. Erwin-Rinaldi’s departure marks the end of an era characterized by significant growth, innovation and community impact.
Erwin-Rinaldi began her tenure with Syntero in August 2009 as the executive director of Dublin Counseling Center in Franklin County. Her visionary leadership played a pivotal role in the merger of Dublin Counseling Center with Northwest Counseling in 2013, forming Syntero, Inc., where she assumed the role of CEO. With 22 years of prior experience in public service within the behavioral health field, including leadership positions with Franklin County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board, Summit County Alcohol and Mental Health Board and Kent State University, Erwin-Rinaldi brought invaluable expertise to the role.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, Erwin-Rinaldi stated, “I believe this is the right time to transition, not only for me to have more time with my family, but also to provide Syntero with a fresh perspective and reenergized team to envision the agency’s future as they continue to seek ways to support the community in caring, creative and thoughtful ways.”
A selection committee appointed by Syntero’s board of directors will conduct an extensive executive search beginning in April, with the aim of appointing a new CEO by the end of July. Erwin-Rinaldi will collaborate closely with the board and the incoming CEO to ensure a smooth transition.
Erwin-Rinaldi’s contributions to Syntero over the past 15 years have been profound and far-reaching:
Financial Growth: The agency’s budget grew from $2.2 million in 2009 when it was Dublin Counseling Center to $10.5 million today, reflecting substantial expansion and development.
Increased Funding: Erwin-Rinaldi spearheaded efforts to secure funding from various sources including Franklin County ADAMH Board, Delaware-Morrow County Mental Health & Recovery Services Board, The Franklin County Office on Aging, multiple municipalities, Columbus Foundation grants and support from organizations such as the Ohio University’s Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Leadership & Recognition: Erwin-Rinaldi’s leadership has earned Syntero recognition as a Top Workplace by Columbus CEO for six consecutive years. She enhanced employee benefits, facilitated six successful National CARF accreditation surveys, oversaw consistently clean financial audits and expanded school-based prevention programs from one school district in 2009 to 12 in 2024.
Community Partnerships: In 2017, Syntero became a contract agency of the Delaware/Morrow County Mental Health and Recovery Board which added a broader geographical footprint and variety of new programming in schools and community-based settings in both counties. Erwin-Rinaldi forged numerous partnerships with organizations such as local school districts, private schools, colleges and universities, medical schools, hospitals, health care providers, first responders, aging-in-place providers and others.
Program Expansion and Innovation: Under Erwin-Rinaldi’s guidance, Syntero expanded its programming to support diverse communities, including initiatives focused on suicide prevention, LGBTQ+, older adults, first responders and more. She led the implementation of an agency-wide electronic health records system and oversaw the expansion of office spaces to provide the opportunity to receive outpatient treatment in multiple locations. The agency currently has four outpatient offices located in Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center and Mt. Gilead, Ohio.
“Julie’s legacy of kindness and compassionate leadership has transformed Syntero into a pillar of support within our community,” stated Krista Stock, Syntero’s board chair. “Her dedication to our mission and values has created a lasting impact, and we are grateful for her vision and guidance.” Stock continued, stating “As we prepare to bid farewell to Julie and to welcome a new leader to the Syntero team, we remain committed to our mission to advocate and support the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities by providing professional, compassionate, expert counseling and community-based services that adapt to the changing needs of the community.”
Erwin-Rinaldi expressed her gratitude saying, “It has been my honor and privilege to lead Syntero for 15 years. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that Syntero will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
About Syntero
Syntero, Inc. is a leading non-profit provider of behavioral health services in central Ohio, serving Franklin, Delaware and Morrow Counties and beyond. Dedicated to promoting mental health and wellness in the communities it serves, Syntero is committed to its core values of integrity, empowerment, innovation and inclusiveness. Syntero is nationally accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
For more information, visit Syntero.org.
###
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Kelly Galindo; Chief Public Information & Development Officer
kgalindo@syntero.org | 614-889-5722 ext. 125
Comments