A journey of service: Filipina dietitian reaches top leadership post in New York

NEW YORK - A Filipina nutrition and healthcare management expert has been appointed Assistant Commissioner of the Nutritional Services Division at the New York City Department of Correction (DOC). Ms. Christine Melody Caylan-Linstromberg assumed the post in November 2025, marking a significant milestone as she takes on a senior leadership role within one of the city’s most essential public safety agencies.

In her new capacity, Ms. Caylan-Linstromberg oversees the full operations of food services for both persons in custody and members of service. Her mandate includes managing financial and logistical systems, supervising day-to-day operations, and ensuring compliance with New York State minimum food standards, health codes, and regulatory requirements.

A registered dietitian with 20 years of extensive experience, she brings a strong background in food service management, clinical nutrition, and healthcare operations. Her career spans leadership roles in both the United Statesand the Philippines, consistently demonstrating excellence in strategic management, service quality, operational efficiency, and performance improvement.

Before her appointment, she served as Manager of Food and Nutrition Services in Norman, Oklahoma, where she led patient dining services, clinical nutrition, retail operations, and key business and production functions. Prior to that, she was Director of Clinical Nutrition Services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens and Coney Island Hospital, directing both inpatient and outpatient nutrition programs.

In the Philippines, Ms. Caylan-Linstromberg held the role of Assistant Vice President for Medical Ancillary Services at Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City. She managed Food and Nutrition Services as well as ancillary units such as Hematology-Oncology, Endoscopy, and Neurophysiology. Her leadership emphasized continuous learning, performance improvement, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with clinical heads and physicians to advance service expansion and operational outcomes.

She also has an academic background, having taught medical nutrition therapy and nutrition science at Cebu Doctors University.

Ms. Caylan-Linstromberg holds a Bachelor’s degree in Community Nutrition from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, a Master’s in Hospital Administration from Cebu Doctors University, and a Master of Business Administration from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She also completed all coursework toward a PhD in Business Administration at the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

Born and raised in Ozamiz City, she graduated Valedictorian from Immaculate Conception College-La Salle. She traces her family roots to Cagayan de Oro City, Tagoloan, and Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, as part of the prominent Neri Casiño Clan of Misamis Oriental.