HYS CEO John Petulla Receives National ACJS Leadership Award
Harborcreek Youth Services is proud to share that our CEO, John Petulla, has received the 2026 Leadership and Innovation Award from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), one of the nation’s leading professional organizations dedicated to advancing knowledge and practice in the field of criminal justice.
ACJS President Stephanie Mizrahi presents HYS CEO John Petulla with the 2026 Leadership and Innovation Award on March 6th, 2026
John was honored on March 6th, 2026 during the ACJS Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, where leaders from across the country gathered to recognize innovation, impact, and a long-standing commitment to improving systems of care.
While this recognition is presented to one individual, it reflects something much bigger. For more than 20 years, John has helped guide the agency from a juvenile justice–focused program into a nationally recognized provider of trauma-focused behavioral healthcare.
As highlighted in a recent feature by Mercyhurst University, HYS has been deeply connected to long-standing partnerships within our community. In 2014, Mercyhurst faculty and alumni worked alongside our team to help develop and expand Expressive Therapies, including Art, Music, and Movement Therapy. These programs now play a central role in our Developmental Trauma Model and the services we provide every day.
“Mercyhurst faculty and alumni have helped shape therapeutic programs at HYS that are nationally respected and deeply impactful, and John Petulla’s leadership has been instrumental in making that vision a reality.”
We want to express our gratitude to Dr. Peter J. Benekos, Mercyhurst Professor Emeritus of Criminology and Criminal Justice, who was able to attend this event with our team in Philadelphia and has provided long-standing guidance and leadership through Board and committee service.
Likewise, thank you to Maria L. Garase, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences, who serves as a current committee member of the HYS Board of Directors and continues to support our work through ongoing involvement and advocacy.
John’s leadership has always centered on “kids first,” and he is the first to say that this recognition also belongs to our staff, Board, and the community that supports us. HYS’ approach to behavioral healthcare through a trauma-focused lens today allows us to meet youth where they are and help them move forward with stability, insight, and hope.