LOS ANGELES, CA –September 13, 2024 - DECRO proudly announces the appointment of Fathia Macauley as its new Chief Real Estate Development Officer, effective immediately. Fathia brings over 21 years of experience in financing and developing redevelopment projects throughout California, ranging from affordable housing to community facilities such as charter schools and health clinics. She has managed over $1 billion in Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) and affordable housing projects and participated in the creation of over 5,000 affordable homes.
Formerly the Chief Lending Officer for Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Fathia oversaw lending programs including multifamily and first-time homebuyer initiatives, and during her leadership, she oversaw the origination of over $320M in multifamily loans. Her previous roles include California Market Lead at Capital Impact Partners, where she managed a $70 million loan pipeline, and Director of Business Development for Clearinghouse CDFI, where she opened the Oakland office and built new lending relationships. Throughout her career, Fathia has demonstrated a strong commitment to community development, sustainability, and social equity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fathia Macauley to DECRO”, said Ted M. Handel, President and CEO of DECRO. “Her extensive experience, proven track record, and alignment with DECRO’s values make her the ideal candidate to lead our real estate development efforts. As Chief Real Estate Development Officer, Fathia’s respected and esteemed leadership will support and elevate DECRO’s efforts and ensure a brighter future for all those it serves.”
“I am excited about bringing my passion and experience to serve an organization with a rich history of transformative community work,” said Fathia Macauley. “DECRO has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting community development through innovative and sustainable real estate solutions. I am honored to join a great team and an amazing organization that’s been led by a visionary leader.”
Fathia Macauley’s appointment follows an extensive search process during which her dedication to affordable housing, social advocacy, and collaborative spirit distinguished her as the standout candidate among hundreds of applicants, closely aligning with DECRO’s values and mission.
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision-making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
Montclair, CA, August 02, 2024 –OPARC, a leading organizationin the Inland Empirededicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities(I/DD), is proud to announce the appointment of Susie Pittman as its new Chief Executive Officer. Pittman will officially assume her role on August 6, 2024.
With a proven track record of nonprofit leadership, Susie Pittman brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of folks in the I/DD community. Most recently, Pittman served as the Chief Executive Officer of BuildAbility, where she led transformative initiatives, including diversifying core programs, securing over $1.4 million ingrant funding, and enhancing organizational resilience.Prior to her tenure at BuildAbility, Pittman held the position of Community Services Director at the North Los Angeles County Regional Center, where she played a crucial role in regulatory complianceand service delivery to a community of over 17,000 individuals with developmental disabilities.She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University.
"I am deeply honored to become the next CEO of OPARC. As an organization alreadyrenowned for its excellence and dedication to supporting individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, I look forward to partnering with OPARC's Board of Directors and exceptional staff to shape a future filled with growth and opportunity for the people we support, our stakeholders, and the broader community,” said Susie Pittman.
Scott Tremayne, Chair of OPARC's Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for the new leadership, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Susie Pittman as the new CEO of OPARC. Her extensive experience, innovative approach to service delivery, and unwavering dedication to our mission make her an ideal fit for our organization. We are confident that under her leadership, OPARC will continue to thrive and make significant strides in improving the lives of those we serve.”
As OPARC embarks on this new chapter under Pittman’s leadership, the organization is poised to build on its strong legacy of advocacy, service, and community impact. The Board of Directors, staff,and familiesare eager to support Pittman in her role as she drives forward OPARC's mission to empower individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.
OPARC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities through a range of services and programs, focusing primarily on workforce preparedness and engagement. With a commitment to fostering inclusion and empowerment, OPARC offers a range of services, including day programs, supported employment, and community integration initiatives, enablingindividuals to live fulfilling and independent lives within their communities. For more information, visit www.oparc.org.
Envision Consultingis a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver,Lexingtonand Los Angeles, Envision’scommitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropyas a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Colorfor the third year in a row.
Envision Consulting Celebrates Placing Exceptional Leader
LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- YWCA Greater Los Angeles (YWCA-GLA) proudly announces the appointment of Lisa Hirsch Marin, LCSW, MSOD as its new Chief Program Officer (CPO). As a recognized expert in the fields of behavioral health, violence against women and children, culturally supportive trauma-informed services, housing, and organizational development, Marin will help the YWCA-GLA continue its mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
"We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to our team," said Lori Carmona, CEO of YWCA-GLA. "Her extensive experience, successful track record, and alignment with YWCA's values make her the ideal candidate to lead our programs."
As Chief Program Officer, Marin will bring her remarkable ability to lead compassionate and mission-driven programs, expand funding streams, advocate for legislative change on behalf of women and children, and align change efforts with organizational goals. Her aptitude for building effective partnerships, coupled with her strategic planning skills and outcome driven data analysis positions her as a transformative leader poised to drive impactful change within YWCA-GLA and the communities served.
"I am excited about bringing my passion and experience to serve an organization with a rich and transformative history," said Marin. "The YWCA of Greater Los Angeleshas demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting learning, wellness, safety and equity for women, children, and families. I am honored to join a great team, an amazing CEO and a strong Board of Directors, as we implement the next chapter to remove barriers for marginalized populations, challenge the systems that have created generational cycles of poverty, and ensure a brighter future for all those served."
Lisa's appointment follows an extensive recruitment process, during which her dedication to social advocacy, analytical rigor, and collaborative spirit distinguished her as the standout candidate among hundreds of applicants.
Envision Consulting is a boutique firm that specializes in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions exclusively for nonprofit organizations. With offices in New York, Denver, and Los Angeles, Envision's commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is integrated throughout its practices, which include a structured hiring process and anti-biased decision making. In 2023, Envision was named by the Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy as a Top 10 Search Firm that Works for Women of Color for the third year in a row.
AbilityFirst announces Dr. Sergio Rizzo-Fontanesi as its next president and chief executive officer, effective June 3. Rizzo-Fontanesi will build on his predecessor’s enduring impact, advancing the organization’s vision, mission, and legacy of fostering an inclusive community that focuses on a person-centered approach, ensuring that all participants reach their full potential.
“From our first conversation with Sergio, the board was impressed by his profound empathy, strategic thinking, and deep understanding of our values. I knew immediately that he was the person we should hire as CEO,” said Kathryn Sanders Platnick, board chair of AbilityFirst. “As a 98-year-old organization, it’s important that we bring on someone to lead who can honor our legacy while also continuing to innovate and elevate AbilityFirst to the next level, so we can make an even greater impact on the population we serve. I have no doubt that Sergio is the right person for this task.”
Following a national search led by Envision Consulting, which attracted more than 300 highly qualified applicants, Rizzo-Fontanesi emerged as the ideal candidate. Having worked as a licensed clinical social worker, a researcher and executive in the nonprofit sector, Rizzo-Fontanesi comes with innovative perspectives, a breadth of knowledge, and robust management experience. He has expertise in program design, planning, and evaluation, having analyzed the program effectiveness of numerous community-based organizations. Formerly the executive director and CEO of Beit T’Shuvah in Los Angeles, Rizzo-Fontanesi has worked at the intersections of substance use and mental health treatment, reentry and supportive housing services, and education and workforce development.
“As a person-centered organization, AbilityFirst places the needs of its constituency first and foremost. It is this guiding philosophy that connects everyone in the organization,” said Rizzo-Fontanesi, explaining why the mission resonates with him.
While Rizzo-Fontanesi does not have someone in his immediate family who has a developmental disability, he shared that when his sister was 13 years old, she sustained an incomplete spinal cord injury and corresponding paralysis. “While she ultimately regained considerable mobility, as a result of this experience, I witnessed firsthand how having a disability affects not only the individual but the family unit as well. Individuals who have disabilities are often seen for their disability and unseen for their gifts and potential,” he continued. “I am excited to lead and be part of an organization whose focus is on capabilities and possibilities, and I am committed to challenging the stigma and barriers that impede individuals with disabilities from achieving their full potential.”
Founded in 1926 as a response to children with polio, AbilityFirst continues to evolve to meet the need of people with developmental disabilities. “AbilityFirst was built on the ethos of possibility and that resonates with all of us,” said Rizzo-Fontanesi. “We all want to achieve what's possible and reach our full potential. This is what we aspire for ourselves, our children,
and the future of the world. This is the fundamental core of AbilityFirst’s programs and services.”
Having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from San Francisco State University, Rizzo-Fontanesi also has a doctorate and a master in social welfare from the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles.
In collaboration with key stakeholders, Rizzo-Fontanesi has his sights on developing a strategic plan for the organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Guiding its next five to 10 years, the strategic plan will define what success looks like, measure program effectiveness, enhance program adaptability to meet the current needs of its diverse participants, and secure additional funding streams while strengthening brand reputation.
Ensuring a stable and seamless transition, Rizzo-Fontanesi is committed to honoring AbilityFirst’s legacy while steering the organization toward a future with fresh insights, new opportunities, and measured growth. There will be a leadership overlap with interim CEO Julie Tugend to guarantee the successful transition.
To learn more about AbilityFirst, visit abilityfirst.org.
It is with great excitement that Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity, a leading national organization supporting women and scientists of color in the STEM field, announces the appointment of Rochelle L. Williams, PhD as its new Executive Director. Dr. Williams brings a wealth of experience and expertise in STEM education and diversity advocacy to her new role, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to fostering inclusivity and excellence in the STEM fields.
In her capacity as Executive Director, Dr. Williams will lead the organization's strategic initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups in graduate STEM education. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD), ensuring its continued impact in empowering diverse talent across the STEM landscape.
Dr. Williams's extensive background in program management, strategic partnerships, and advocacy positions her as a visionary leader, scientist, and engineer poised to drive positive change within the organization and beyond. She holds a BS in Physics from Spelman College, a MEng in Mechanical Engineering plus a PhD in Science and Mathematics Education from Southern University and A&M College. This training in the sciences as well as her proven track record of success and dedication to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in her professional work makes her the ideal candidate to lead Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity into its next phase of growth and impact.
"We are thrilled to welcome Rochelle Williams as our new Executive Director," said former Executive Director and Board chair James Powell. "Her experience with advancing diversity in STEM, along with her strategic leadership skills and passion for mentorship, will be instrumental in advancing our mission and driving meaningful change within the STEM community.”
With Dr. Williams at the helm, the organization is poised to make significant strides in promoting diversity and empowering future generations of STEM leaders.
Dr. Rochelle Williams was chosen as the next Executive Director after an extensive search and recruitment process led by the GFSD’s search committee and facilitated by Envision Consulting. For more information about Dr. Williams's appointment or Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity, please contact Melissa Montoya, the Director of Search Services at Envision Consulting.