CONTACT of Mercer County, NJ, Inc. Names Tony Ciavolella as New Executive Director

Pennington, NJ — CONTACT of Mercer County, NJ, Inc., a leading nonprofit provider of crisis intervention and suicide prevention services and a member of the New Jersey 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network, is pleased to announce that Tony Ciavolella has been appointed its new Executive Director, effective April 2, 2026.

He replaces the award-winning Eleanor Letcher, who, after 50 years of service to CONTACT of Mercer County, is retiring. Throughout her remarkable career, she guided the organization through decades of growth and change, strengthening its crisis response capabilities, expanding programs for vulnerable populations, and positioning CONTACT as a vital safety net for the community.

Ciavolella currently serves as Associate Executive Director of CONTACT, where he has played a pivotal role in expanding and strengthening the organization’s suicide prevention and crisis services, operations, and statewide impact in the area of mental health.

In his new role, he will lead the organization’s strategic direction, operations, partnerships, and continued growth as a critical lifeline for individuals experiencing emotional distress, mental health crises, and suicidal ideation.

“With more than three decades of experience in crisis counseling, leadership, and communications, Tony brings a unique blend of compassion, expertise, and vision to this role,” said Michael Cilino, Board President, CONTACT of Mercer County, NJ. “His deep commitment to our mission, combined with his proven leadership, makes him the ideal person to guide CONTACT into its next chapter of service and innovation.”

As Executive Director, Ciavolella will focus on strengthening CONTACT’s service delivery, volunteer training, community partnerships, and sustainability, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted resource for individuals in crisis across New Jersey.

Ciavolella first joined CONTACT in 2020 as a volunteer crisis counselor, providing direct support to individuals in their most vulnerable moments. In 2021, he joined the organization’s Board of Directors, later serving as Vice President. In 2022, he played a key role in securing federal grant funding that enabled CONTACT to expand from a small, regional volunteer warmline into a full-fledged national 988 Lifeline center offering chat and text services as a national backup center.

Under his leadership, CONTACT now responds to thousands of interactions each year through the New Jersey 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, while also operating the CONTACT Listening Line, which provides confidential, non-judgmental support for individuals dealing with generalized mental health and personal concerns before they escalate into crisis.

“I am honored to step into this role at such a critical time when mental health and suicide prevention services are so needed,” said Ciavolella. “CONTACT’s work saves lives every day. I am deeply committed to ensuring that anyone who reaches out for help is heard, supported, and connected to care. I look forward to working with our dedicated staff, volunteers, community partners, and the State of New Jersey to expand our reach and impact.”

Before his work with CONTACT, Ciavolella built a distinguished career in communications and public service. He is an award-winning former journalist and communications professional honored by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). He also received a United States Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation for his role in media relations during a maritime crisis in New York Harbor.

He previously served as Director of Communications for the New Jersey State Parole Board, managing media relations and public affairs for an agency overseeing approximately 16,000 individuals under state parole supervision. He also worked as a Senior Public Information Officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he handled high-profile media inquiries and communications in the immediate post-9/11 era. Ciavolella also worked with Erickson Senior Living on communications initiatives that reshaped the perception of aging.

Ciavolella began his career in broadcast journalism as a TV photojournalist, later serving as Assignment Manager, Producer, and Bureau Chief for several national and local television news affiliates.

About CONTACT of Mercer County, NJ, Inc.

CONTACT of Mercer County, NJ, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention. As part of the New Jersey 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network, CONTACT offers confidential and compassionate support via phone, chat, and text. The organization also operates the CONTACT Listening Line, offering non-judgmental support for individuals facing personal and mental health challenges. To learn more about CONTACT of Mercer County, NJ, visit contactofmercer.org.

# # #