The Poverello Center continues to mourn the sudden loss of our Chief Executive Officer, Thomas “Tom” Pietrogallo.
Tom’s leadership guided this organization through some of its most important years, expanding our reach, strengthening our programs, and deepening our impact across South Florida. We are grateful for his service and committed to carrying forward the mission he believed in so deeply.
Our focus today is on stability, continuity, and the uninterrupted delivery of the services our community depends on.
For nearly four decades, The Poverello Center has served individuals and families across South Florida with compassion, dignity, and care. Founded by Father Bill Collins and sustained by the dedication of staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to those who need us most.
Leadership transitions are never easy. But the mission of The Poverello Center is larger than any one individual.
Our food pantry is open.
Our clinic is seeing patients.
Our thrift stores are serving the community.
Every program our clients rely on remains fully operational and will continue without interruption.
To ensure continuity of leadership and operations, the Board has appointed Jose Castillo, Deputy Executive Director for Business Operations, and Brad Barnes, Deputy Executive Director for Quality and Program Development, to provide leadership and oversight during this transition period.
Jose Castillo has been part of The Poverello Center’s story since 2014, when he first walked through our doors as a food pantry volunteer. He has since grown into operational and fiscal leadership, bringing more than 30 years of management experience and a deep understanding of our programs, our finances, and the community we serve.
Brad Barnes has dedicated more than 40 years to HIV services, advocacy, and care. He has been part of our leadership team since 2000. Few people know the history of HIV services in South Florida more deeply. For more than two decades, he has helped shape the programs, partnerships, and standards of care that define this organization.
The Board has full confidence in Jose and Brad. Their institutional knowledge, longstanding relationships, and unwavering commitment to this mission uniquely prepare them for this moment.
Tom often said that The Poverello Center always finds a way to accomplish the mission. The leadership now in place, and the strength of the organization he helped build, are proof that he was right.
The mission continues.
