O'Hara named first full-time executive director of HART

Christine S. O'Hara, MS, has been named as the first full-time executive director of HART Inc., the Home Assistance Referral Team.

O’Hara served as a member of the board of directors of HART for two years prior to becoming the executive director on a part-time basis in 2021.

After 40 years in service, HART has not only grown to a full-time organization, but also expanded to serve both Niagara County and parts of Erie County.

Board chairperson Patricia Berggren said, “The proven community relations, marketing and development skills that Chris brings to HART are a perfect match for the significant growth we’re experiencing. We are most fortunate to have her leading our team.”

O’Hara has extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor development, marketing and community relations. She started her career with the Niagara Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and later spent 16 years at Niagara University serving in various capacities. Additionally, she held marketing and fundraising positions at the former Niagara Catholic High School, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, and Catholic Health. O’Hara has her own consulting business, CSEO Consulting LLC, and is a licensed benefits consultant.

A graduate of Niagara University, she earned a master's degree in administration and supervision and a bachelor's degree in hospitality management. She is a 1992 graduate of Leadership Niagara, 1993 graduate of Dale Carnegie Public Speaking, and a member of the 2014-15 Consortium of Higher Education Women’s Leadership Institute.

O'Hara, a Lewiston resident, also is very active in the community. She serves as chairperson of the Intandem Foundation board of directors and vice chair of the Niagara Falls Boys and Girls Club board of directors. She also serves on the boards of Anchoring Hope and the Lower Niagara Community Survivors. She is past board chairperson of the Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Niagara.

HART is a referral service that connects seniors and others with qualified care, allowing them to remain independent in their own homes. Its main office is located at 505 Cayuga St., Lewiston. Call 716-754-8313 for more information.