Honoring the Legacy of CEO Juanita Price & Welcoming New Leadership
WASHINGTON, DC – Hillcrest Children and Family Center announced today, the retirement of their esteemed Chief Executive Officer, Juanita Price, effective March 1.
“Mrs. Price has led the Hillcrest Children and Family Center with unwavering dedication and incomparable expertise, transforming the organization into a beacon of hope for children, youth, and families in Washington, D.C., and beyond,” said Hillcrest Board of Directors President Jason Lewis. “It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we honor her tireless efforts and transformative impact on countless children, families, and communities across the District of Columbia.”
Price joined Hillcrest in 2009, at a time when the organization faced immense challenges, including a limited workforce, minimal services for children, and financial instability. Through her visionary leadership and strategic expertise, Hillcrest has grown into a thriving behavioral health and social services agency. Today, with a dedicated staff of 180 professionals, Hillcrest provides evidence-based, comprehensive behavioral health services across multiple sites, facilitating over 60,000 visits annually and serving over 2,100 students through school-based programs in collaboration with more than 75 community partners. Notably, under her leadership, Hillcrest expanded their property assets, secured a $4 million SAMHSA grant in FY2023 to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center, and received accreditation by the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. These are among the many achievements that underscore her commitment to advancing mental healthcare access and quality.
Her impact on the field of behavioral health extends beyond Hillcrest. She previously served as CEO of the District of Columbia Community Services Agency, which at the time was one of the nation’s largest community behavioral health agencies. Prior to serving in the district, she solidified her leadership as a mental health executive in various roles in Toledo, Ohio. Price’s legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and advocacy, earning recognition by national organizations such as the National Council for Mental Wellbeing which bestowed upon her their Lifetime Achievement Award. As she concludes her service at Hillcrest, Mrs. Price will 2
continue to engage in the behavioral and mental health sector as a subject matter expert and advocate for children and families.
“Mrs. Price’s exceptional leadership, unmatched energy, and deep passion have been transformative for the Hillcrest Children and Family Center and supported District residents served by Hillcrest to live to their full potential and thrive,” said Director of the District of Columbia Department of the Behavioral Health Dr. Barbara J. Bazron.
To ensure continuity of leadership and to build upon the organization’s strong foundation, Price will be succeeded by Carroll D. Parks, Hillcrest’s Chief Operating Officer since 2015. With over 35 years of experience in the field and a steadfast commitment to rehabilitation and recovery services, Parks has been an instrumental leader at Hillcrest. His extensive expertise in program development, service delivery, and policy advocacy—gained through advisory roles for local and state government —will be invaluable as Hillcrest continues its mission to promote wellness and holistic development for our community.
As we celebrate Mrs. Price’s legacy and welcome Mr. Parks into his new role, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing high-quality, culturally responsive behavioral health and social services to children and families in the District of Columbia.