Shakeup hits Stepping Stone of San Diego

ENLARGE
Photo credit: Stepping Stone
Catherine Aquino

SAN DIEGO — The Stepping Stone of San Diego board of directors today announced a leadership reorganization under which Catherine Aquino, B.S., M.D. will assume the role of interim chief executive officer.

Aquino, who has worked at Stepping Stone since 2008 and was promoted to director of operations in 2011, will begin this interim role immediately.

John DeMiranda, chief executive officer and executive director since 2008, is no longer with Stepping Stone. It remains unclear whether DeMiranda resigned or was asked to leave.

The board said it will soon begin its search for a permanent CEO, as part of the restructuring of the organization’s administration.

According to the board, Aquino has its full support and is confident that she will provide the leadership needed to ensure that Stepping Stone continues to deliver the level of services the San Diego LGBT community has come to expect from the organization.

Founded in 1976, Stepping Stone delivers alcohol and other drug treatment programs to San Diegans, with a focus on the LGBT and HIV-positive communities. The organization operates a state-of-the-art 31-bed treatment facility in City Heights, and has provided services to thousands of San Diegans in its 35-year history.

Stepping Stone staff say there will be no interruption in services during the transition, and expect to provide the highest quality of care.

Those who have questions about the transition can contact Aquino at Stepping Stone’s administrative offices. More information about the organization is HERE.