Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, Andres Nieto immigrated to the United States at the age of seven, settling with his family in Washington Heights near NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where he has worked for over 30 years. 

 

He began his career at NewYork-Presbyterian as a security officer, quickly advancing to a supervisory role. After five years, he transitioned into Patient Services, where he educated patients on their rights and served as a passionate advocate for their care. He was later appointed Director of Volunteer and Interpreter Services, where he built and led the department for five years. Recognizing his leadership, he was entrusted with overseeing new programs at the Columbia campus as Director of Community Health role he held for 15 years.   

 

In his current role as Senior Director of Community Health for the Ambulatory Care Network, he has focused his efforts on disease prevention, health education, and creating strong liaisons with community partners. Some of his most notable accomplishments include launching: Reach out and Read, Adolescent Medicine Nutrition Program, Injury Prevention Program, Community Health Workers, a faith-based nursing program, and a Healthy Parenting Group.  

 

He has also helped develop the Youth Track and Field Jamboree, the Center for Community Navigation, and the Choosing Healthy and Active Lifestyles for Kids (CHALK). 

 

His efforts go beyond traditional care, tackling housing insecurity, food access, chronic disease, maternal and child health, mental health, and sexual health. Across every initiative, Andres has cultivated networks of leaders, community members, and institutional partners who together address some of the most pressing health-related social challenges.  

 

He doesn’t just serve the community – he strengthens it.