Thomas Pristow to Children and Family; Richard Jones to Senior and Adult Services

Cleveland, OH - County Executive Armond Budish announced the appointment today of two agency Administrators within the Department of Health and Human Services. Thomas Pristow will lead the Division of Children and Family Services, and Richard Jones will run the Division of Senior and Adult Services.

In describing the careers and ability of these two administrators, Executive Budish called them “superior, highly experienced leaders with over 50 years of combined human services management, working with some of the most challenging issues that communities face. Tom and Richard have succeeded in many different roles and environments, and each brings a broad perspective on national best practices which will allow their agencies to provide effective, coordinated and efficient services to our clients.

“I would also like to recognize the current and interim leaders of the agencies for their hard work and dedication to the human services mission,” said Budish.

Thomas Pristow most recently served as Director of Children and Family Services for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, overseeing 2,000 employees and a $750 million budget. Pristow has over 20 years of management experience in child welfare and human services, having previously directed city and county human service departments in Virginia and Vermont.

Richard Jones most recently was Senior Vice-President of Community Investment for the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, and immediately prior was Administrator of Employment and Family Services for Cuyahoga County. Jones has a wide range of public and non-profit sector leadership experience, including 8 years as President and CEO of the Center for Families and Children in Cleveland, and 13 years as President and CEO of Metropolitan Families and Children in Chicago.