Allison Terracio Named Harriet Hancock Center Interim Chief
The Richland County Councilmember stepped into the role following the departure of the organization's director.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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Richland County Councilmember Allison Terracio has been appointed as the interim executive director of the Columbia-based Harriet Hancock Center. She assumed the position following the resignation of the organization's first full-time director, Cristina Picozzi.
Why it matters
The appointment ensures leadership continuity for the non-profit organization as its board of directors conducts a search for a permanent executive successor. The search process is expected to span several months.
The Harriet Hancock Center, located at 1108 Woodrow St., has operated as an organization since its founding in 1993. The non-profit currently functions without regular government funding.
The players
Allison Terracio
She is a member of the Richland County Council representing District 5 and currently serves as the interim executive director of the Harriet Hancock Center.
Cristina Picozzi
She previously served as the first full-time executive director of the Harriet Hancock Center until her resignation in September 2026.
Harriet Hancock Center
Founded in 1993, this Columbia-based organization provides services to the local community without the benefit of regular government funding.
The details
The board of directors selected Terracio, who currently represents District 5 on the Richland County Council, to manage daily operations. A formal committee has been established to identify a permanent candidate to lead the center.
Timeline
The organization was founded in 1993.
Allison Terracio was named interim director on September 10, 2026.
Cristina Picozzi concluded their final day as director on September 18, 2026.
The center publicly announced the leadership change on September 21, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition marks a critical juncture for the non-profit as it navigates a search for its next full-time executive. The move positions the board to maintain stability while balancing the requirements of a permanent hire against the center's specific operational needs.
The transition to interim leadership is not expected to disrupt the daily services or community operations provided by the center. Residents and stakeholders can continue to access the organization's resources at its 1108 Woodrow St. location as the search for a permanent director continues.
The takeaway
The appointment of an interim director provides the stability necessary for the board to conduct a thorough search for long-term leadership. Community members should expect ongoing operations to remain unaffected throughout the transition period.
Further reading
For more information on local leadership shifts, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Post and Courier.
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