Each year, Hillside’s Impact Report includes a profile of the recipient of that year’s Chair’s Award, earned by an employee whose above-and-beyond service exemplifies our mission.
When he was recognized at the Hillside Annual Meeting in May, 2025 Chair’s Award honoree Gerard “Jerry” Ippolito used his remarks to accept the award on behalf of all of Hillside—program and support staff, donors, public and private community partners, and especially the youth, adults and families served every day by the agency.
That mindset of inclusiveness and team spirit is indicative of the qualities that earned Jerry this year’s honor. A 15-year Hillside veteran, the Director of Property, Food Services and Safety & Security is known as a solution-oriented leader and contributor who approaches challenges with enthusiasm and creativity.
“He’s an instrumental part of what we do,” said Christopher Peterson, Chief Financial Officer, who nominated Jerry for the 2025 award. “He does what’s needed to solve a problem, and he’s equally comfortable engaging with youth and families, Board members, donors and strategic partners. Even when it comes to our critical vendors, he works to make sure they feel a connection back to Hillside.”
Since joining Hillside in 2010 to lead the Environmental Services team, Jerry has increased the scope of his responsibilities to include everything from emergency management to nutrition services. Through it all, he says, he’s driven by the opportunity to help those in need—even by things as simple and meaningful as addressing youth concerns about hard mattresses in a residential campus unit, or asking about an individual’s favorite color when the time comes to paint the walls of their room at a group home.
“That’s what keeps me here,” he says. “Where else could you be a part of all that progress for so many kids who need us?”
In recent years Jerry’s evolving portfolio has grown even further, as he and his team (pictured above) volunteered to take over logistics and planning for two of Hillside’s biggest fund-raising events: the Special Santa toy-and-gift drive and the annual Hillside Golf Tournament. “There’s a lot to juggle, but it’s definitely not a job. It’s more than that. It’s a passion. It’s about helping these kids out. Even if we affect one kid’s life, we win.
“We all choose to be here,” he adds. “Not everybody gets to do this.”
To watch a video tribute to Jerry Ippolito that was screened during the presentation of his award at the 2025 Annual Meeting, click here.