Tampa, Fla. – Children’s Network of Hillsborough County (CNHC) has welcomed Maria Alvarez as the latest member of the organization’s Board of Directors.

Alvarez is the President and CEO of Phoenix House Florida, a nonprofit addiction treatment program for adults and adolescents. A first-generation American, she began working with Phoenix House Florida in 2007. she quickly moved up through leadership positions in the organization. When the Phoenix House Foundation decided to reorganize its affiliates to operate separately, she hired staff and implemented new departments and processes to facilitate this critical transition. Alvarez says that there is “no greater joy than helping those that are in the greatest need of behavioral health treatment.”

Before joining Phoenix House Florida, Alvarez spent more than 25 years in accounting and management with a variety of organizations, from start-ups to multimillion-dollar corporations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and has served as a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem for abused and neglected children in the court system. In addition to her service with CNHC, Alvarez is a Board Member for the Florida Behavioral Health Association and Board Member and Secretary for the Florida Council of Behavioral Health.

“We are so grateful to have Maria join our Board of Directors.,” said CNHC CEO Terri Balliet. “She brings a unique perspective as someone with expertise in behavioral health services and hands-on experience as a Guardian Ad Litem. Her leadership and insights will help CNHC continue to advance our mission of transforming child welfare in Hillsborough County.”

CNHC is the nonprofit lead agency selected by the state of Florida to administer the child welfare system in Hillsborough County. More information about CNHC is available at ChildrensNetworkHillsborough.org.