A veteran human services executive will lead the nonprofit Child and Family Service, the organization announced this week.

Howard S. Garval was named CFS president and chief executive officer by its board.

Child and Family Service is the state's largest nonprofit human service agency, serving more than 40,000 individuals and families. With a $34 million annual budget and 800 employees, the agency offers 44 programs for the needy on four islands.

Garval has spent 31 years in the human services field, most recently as president and CEO of The Village for Families and Children, Inc. The West Hartford, Conn.-based agency serves more than 5,000 children and families annually.

Before that, Garval was a district director for Family Service of Greater Boston. Garval holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Michigan.

Lori Lum, CFS board chairwoman, said board members chose Garval after a national search because they were impressed with his experience and commitment to families.

Garval said he shares Child and Family Service's mission of "strengthening families and fostering the healthy development of children."

Patti Bates, who had served as acting CEO, will resume her post as the agency's chief operating officer.

Former CEO Geri Marullo resigned at the end of last year, after eight years at Child and Family Service, to become head of the Consuelo Foundation.