July 7, 2023
Office of Victim Services Director Elizabeth Cronin is pleased to announce the following promotions of several employees, each of whom now serve on the agency’s Leadership Team. These talented individuals play key roles in the management of the agency and provide critical support to the OVS Executive Team.
Blake Kush now oversees the Training & Outreach Unit. Blake joined OVS in 2016 as a Program Outreach Specialist. Prior to joining OVS, he served in management roles in the non-profit sector and brings with him to this new role more than a decade of macro (systems-level) social work experience.
Kathleen Joslin now oversees the Grants Unit. Kathy has been with OVS since 2012, starting as the Phone Representative in the Compensation Unit before moving to the Grants Unit as a Contract Management Specialist. She has invaluable knowledge of OVS operations and is an expert on federal grant allowability and management.
Cristin Connor now oversees the Administrative Services Unit, which includes all administrative functions, financial management, and the Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit Storage Facility. She joined OVS in 2021 as an Associate Budgeting Analyst. Previously, she worked at the state Department of Health and is an expert in financial and procurement activities.
Tana Orologio now oversees the Compensation Unit and all related activities in both the Albany and Brooklyn offices. Tana has been with OVS since 2005 and has worked in all areas of the Compensation Unit, including claim investigations and payment of medical bills.
Melinda Williams is Associate Deputy Director of Operations and oversees the Administrative Services Unit and the Grants Unit. Prior to joining OVS in 2020, Melinda worked for the New York State Division of the Budget.
“I am delighted to welcome Blake, Kathy, Cristin, and Tana to our leadership team,” Cronin said. “Together, the four of them represent more than 40 years of victim services experience. Each one of them started with OVS in another capacity and have risen through the ranks. In the few short years that Melinda has been with OVS, her experience, knowledge and skill have been critical. I look forward to seeing what they can achieve as the leaders of their respective units as we strive to provide help, healing and hope for victims in New York.”
About the Office of Victim Services
The Office of Victim Services funds and supports a statewide network of victim assistance programs and provides a critical financial safety net for individuals who have expenses related to a crime but no other resources to pay them. The agency provides financial assistance and reimbursement to eligible victims of crime and their families for medical and counseling expenses, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and support, in addition to other assistance.