NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ – March 16, 2026 – Gina Hernandez, CEO and Executive Director of Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey (PCA-NJ) and the Child Wellness Institute (ChildWIN®), has announced her plans to step down on June 1, 2026 after more than 20 years of visionary leadership and innovation.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Board of Directors has retained Phillips Oppenheim to help identify the next CEO. The Board anticipates announcing Hernandez’s successor in the spring of 2026.
Hernandez has been instrumental in leading PCA-NJ and launching its nonprofit subsidiary, ChildWIN®. She joined PCA-NJ in 2005, was appointed Executive Director in 2021, and promoted to CEO in 2024.
“Leading PCA-NJ and ChildWIN® has been an honor,” said Hernandez. “I am proud of our team and comprehensive array of programs and services that build a brighter future for children and families. Now it’s time to turn the reins over to the next generation and begin a new chapter of my life, as I expand my private practice and spend time with family.”
During her tenure, Hernandez’s achievements have been widely recognized. She was published as a co-Principal investigator in several publications including the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior and Prevention Science for her work on addressing maternal depression and substance use disorders. Hernandez was recognized as “A Woman of Achievement” by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs for her dedication, commitment and extraordinary work on behalf of children and families in New Jersey.
“Gina’s impact on PCA-NJ and ChildWIN® and children’s well-being cannot be overstated,” said Harvey Lermack, President of the Board of Directors. “Gina has laid a strong foundation for the future, and we are confident that the next leader will build upon her extraordinary legacy.”
Hernandez is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a BA in Communications from Rowan University and an MA in Counseling from The College of New Jersey.
For more information about PCA-NJ and ChildWIN, please visit www.preventchildabusenj.org and www.childwin.org or call 732-484-9977.
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Founded in 1979, Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey builds a brighter future for children by promoting family wellness, positive parenting, healthy child development and nurturing communities. We help transform homes and schools into nurturing, trauma-informed environments. PCA-NJ is the New Jersey State Chapter of Prevent Child Abuse America, a network of chapters in all 50 states.
Founded in 2019, the Child Wellness Institute (ChildWIN®) builds resilience in children and social-emotional health in children and families. ChildWIN® is a subsidiary of Prevent Child Abuse-New Jersey.
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