New Cultural Affairs Director Appointed For Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — Cristin Cricco-Powell, a fourth generation Hoboken resident, will be at the helm of the city's Arts and Music Festival, traditional Spaghetti Block Party Dinner, concerts, and arts tours, and more when she starts her job as cultural affairs director this spring.

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announced Tuesday that Cricco-Powell will replace longtime Director Geri Fallo, who steered Hoboken's art events and programs through 30 years of changes in town. Fallo will stay on through spring to help with the transition, said city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer.

Cricco-Powell, who works as a TV producer, ran unsuccessfully for City Council against incumbent Jennifer Giattino and other candidates in 2019 on a ticket supported by Bhalla.

“I am thrilled to welcome Cristin as the new Head of Cultural Affairs,” said Bhalla in a release on Tuesday. "Her extensive experience producing a variety of television shows, including at the Discovery Channel and History Channel, makes her uniquely qualified for this position. While we will miss Geri and greatly appreciate her years of distinguished service, I am confident that Cristin’s creativity and dedication, along with her deep roots in Hoboken, will also serve as tremendous assets to our city."

"It is an honor to serve my hometown in this capacity,” said Cricco-Powell. “I’ve spent over 20 years producing a wide variety of shows, and I’m excited to use those skills to bring amazing entertainment, cultural, and arts programs to my beloved hometown: Hoboken. I look forward to collaborating with the community, building on old favorites, and launching new programs."

Cricco-Powell will earn $110,000 a year to start, said Baer.

Fallo, who had run the Hudson County film series Projected Images, said, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as the head of Cultural Affairs and I've loved contributing to Hoboken's vibrant arts and cultural scene in this role. As I prepare my retirement from the city of Hoboken, I'm confident that I am leaving the division in the capable hands of Cristin who will lead with passion and creativity."

She added, "I look forward to seeing the continued success and growth of Hoboken’s cultural community under her leadership. I am happy to be helping the city with this transition and exited for the new and creative endeavors that await me in the next chapter of my life.”

The city noted in its release, "Cricco-Powell, a fourth generation Hoboken resident, will be tasked with heading major city events including the biannual Arts and Music Festival, Spaghetti Dinner Block Party, and other traditions. She will also help develop new events and programs to diversify the programming offered by the department."

A bio for Cricco-Powell posted during her council run noted, "Cristin’s family has been in Hoboken since 1897. Her great grandparents Robert and Raffaela Cricco helped build St. Ann’s Church, and her grandfather, Carl, Sr. and father, Carl, Jr. were much-loved surgeons in town."

READ MORE: Hoboken Cultural Affairs Director Geri Fallo Announces Retirement At Spaghetti Dinner