RIZE Massachusetts Makes Four Key Appointments

RIZE News

June 10, 2026

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), a nonprofit foundation solely dedicated to funding and creating solutions to end the opioid overdose crisis in Massachusetts, today announced four key appointments:

  • Sophie Greenebaum, associate program officer of monitoring, evaluation, and learning;
  • John Hildreth, chief financial and operating officer (CFOO);
  • Annmarie Benedict Pagliano, senior program officer; and
  • Stephanie Ploof, lead communications specialist.

“John is RIZE’s first CFOO and brings to the organization demonstrated experience in managing financial and business operations of very complex health care organizations, while also possessing a strong understanding of the approaches needed to overcome the opioid epidemic,” said Julie Burns, president and CEO of RIZE.  “Sophie, Annmarie, and Stephanie’s research, grantmaking, and communications expertise, respectively, within the public health space will be vital in our continued growth and development.”

Greenebaum, of Wakefield, will lead the implementation of program evaluation and learning strategies to understand and strengthen RIZE’s impact.  Previously, Greenebaum served as prevention coordinator for a public health coalition and worked in research settings at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard University.  Greenebaum received a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Hildreth, of West Roxbury, will guide the organization’s financial and operational strategies to foster sustainability while ensuring optimal financial health. Hildreth previously served as a key member of the financial operations team at Boston Medical Center, ultimately becoming senior director of finance for Boston University Medical Group.  He was also director of finance at North Shore Community Health.  Hildreth earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University, with a focus on finance and applied statistics.

Pagliano, of Newton, former associate program officer at RIZE, has been promoted to senior program officer to manage grantmaking and programmatic activities spanning RIZE’s diverse portfolios.  A skilled philanthropy professional, she has spearheaded grantmaking initiatives at various non-governmental organizations.  Pagliano holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a master’s degree in fine arts from The New School.

Ploof, of Newton, will develop and implement proactive strategic communications and project management strategies to support the organization’s mission, initiatives, and programs.  Previously, she served as marketing and communications manager for a human services agency that provides evidence-based care for individuals experiencing substance use disorders. Ploof holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Boston University.

 

About RIZE Massachusetts

RIZE Massachusetts (RIZE) is solely dedicated to funding and collaborating on solutions to end the overdose crisis.  Guided by those with lived and living experience and unafraid of new ideas, RIZE is building networks, creating programming, and investing in community partners who are using novel approaches to preventing overdose and increasing access to treatment and recovery supports.  RIZE makes health equity a programmatic priority by addressing root causes such as racism, systemic barriers to care, and power imbalances.  Learn more at www.rizema.org.

 

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Position Summary

The Massachusetts Harm Reduction Workforce Coalition (MAHRWC), established in 2024, is a statewide organization designed to strengthen, connect, and sustain the harm reduction workforce across Massachusetts through community, training, mutual support, and collective action.

The first of its kind in Massachusetts, MAHRWC continues to grow its network of harm reduction workers, advocates, and partners committed to saving lives and advancing justice across the Commonwealth.

The project coordinator will be fully dedicated to MAHRWC, providing day-to-day support for coalition operations, communications, and member engagement. This role helps ensure coalition activities run smoothly by:

  • Managing administrative systems and internal coordination.
  • Coordinating meetings, events, agendas, and follow-up materials.
  • Supporting data tracking, reporting, and documentation.
  • Serving as a key point of contact for members, partners, and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, committed to public health and harm reduction principles, and comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including community-based organizations, healthcare providers, policymakers, and people with lived and living experience.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Administrative & Operational Support

  • Manage coalition calendars, schedules, and meeting logistics.
  • Coordinate virtual and in-person meetings, including agenda preparation and note-taking. This includes the coalition advisory board's regular bimonthly meetings.
  • Maintain shared drives, databases, and internal documentation systems (Google Suite, Zoom, Constant Contact).
  • Support the executive director with activities related to contract and grant reporting.
  • Provide logistical support for trainings, conferences, and coalition events.

2. Communications & Member Engagement

  • Serve as the first point of contact for coalition inquiries.
  • Maintain membership lists and distribution groups.
  • Draft and distribute newsletters, meeting summaries, and updates.
  • Support social media and website updates (if applicable) alongside other staff and consultants.
  • Assist in preparing reports, briefs, and presentations.

3. Data & Reporting Support

  • Track coalition activities, deliverables, and metrics.
  • Assist with grant reporting and compliance documentation.
  • Compile and organize workforce data and partner updates.

4. Event & Training Coordination

  • Coordinate registration and materials for workforce training along with the training coordinator.
  • Support the training coordinator with speaker communication and event logistics.
  • Gather participant feedback and evaluation data.

 

Qualifications

Required

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and virtual meeting platforms
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred

  • Experience in public health, behavioral health, or harm reduction
  • Familiarity with workforce development initiatives
  • Experience supporting coalitions or multi-partner collaborations
  • Experience working with communities disproportionately impacted by substance use and overdose

Core Competencies

  • Commitment to harm reduction philosophy and health equity
  • Cultural humility and trauma-informed approach
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset
  • High level of discretion and professionalism

 

Work Environment

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE), launched in 2017, is the only public-private partnership dedicated to ending the overdose crisis. Guided by those with lived experience and unafraid of new ideas, RIZE is building networks, creating programming, and supporting community partners using novel approaches to preventing overdose and increasing access to treatment. Since its inception, RIZE has awarded over $30 million to more than 275 organizations aligned with its mission.

As MAHRWC’s fiscal partner, RIZE provides financial and administrative support while respecting the group's autonomy and self-determination and supports the coalition’s efforts to dismantle systemic inequities and help build a future where compassion, dignity, and support replace stigma and neglect.

This position reports to RIZE’s chief program officer and works closely with the chief executive officer. It is a full-time, hybrid role with the expectation of two days in the office. RIZE is in downtown Boston, and occasional travel, primarily in-state, will be required for meetings and events as needed. This role may require evening and occasional weekend work.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or other status protected under the law.

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