UConnectCare (formerly Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) has hired Erik Winarski, a longtime educator and accountant, as its chief fiscal officer.

Winarski, a Rochester native and Canandaigua resident, assumed the role in March. He succeeds JoAnn Ryan, who has held the position for 37 years.

Winarski earned a PhD in Education and an MBA in Accounting. He became an associate with two separate accounting firms, specializing in public (tax) accounting and internal audits.

Furthermore, he will earn a Certificate of Advanced Study in School District Business Leadership through SUNY Brockport in August.

Winarski said that the executive position with UConnectCare gives him the opportunity to apply his knowledge of accounting in the nonprofit sector.

“I am excited to work with a capable and dedicated staff at UConnectCare,” Winarski said.

He looks forward to bringing his experience and expertise to advance the mission of UConnectCare, and will be overseeing a staff of four in the Finance Department.

Winarski and his wife, Elizabeth, have two daughters who are in grade school.

UConnectCare has served residents of Western New York for almost five decades. Founded in 1975, UConnectCare started with a focus on the prevention and treatment of substance use disorder in Genesee County, and has grown and expanded to include Orleans County, as well.