The Cedarcrest Center Board of Trustees are pleased to announce that it has named Jay Hayston, LP.D, MBA as its new President/CEO effective September 1, 2021 succeeding Cathy Gray who will be retiring from her position leading the organization for over 25 years.
Jay is the current Operating Vice President of Seven Hills Rhode Island and Seven Hills ASPIRE! in Worcester, MA which serves adults with developmental differences and children with unique needs. Jay an experienced leader in residential and day programming and community support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental differences. He has expertise in strategic planning and execution as well as operational and financial leadership achievements. Jay is a CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) International Program Surveyor. He is an adjunct faculty member at Northeastern University where he teaches courses in the Doctor of Law & Policy program. Prior to Seven Hills Rhode Island, Jay was the Director of Day Services at Walnut Street Center, Inc. an agency that provides support for adults with developmental differences.
“Jay’s compassion and connection with the staff and children was obvious during his onsite interviews, states Board Chair, Kathryn Willbarger. “His passion to support the children and Cedarcrest’s mission was evident to all who met with him. Jay has a curious mindset, is a lifelong learner and is very committed to growing personally and professionally in this new role.”
Upon accepting the role, Jay Hayston shared “It is a rare and special opportunity to help guide an organization like Cedarcrest into its next chapter, following a long record of stability and success under Cathy Gray. I am thrilled to work with Cedarcrest’s exceptional children, staff, families, and friends, and to serve as its new President & CEO.”
Jay Hayston holds a doctorate in Policy and Law from Northeastern University, an MBA from Strayer University as well as a BA in Psychology from Lesley University. He and his wife Michaela, an LICSW and school adjustment counselor, will be relocating to the Monadnock region later this summer.
The President/CEO appointment follows a six-month national effort guided by a search committee with the support of Witt/Kieffer, a firm known for its success aligning highly effective leaders with healthcare organizations.
