FAIRFIELD – Operation Hope of Fairfield announced Wednesday that Carla Miklos will retire as executive director at the end of March 2026, closing a remarkable 19-year chapter of service and leadership. During her tenure, Miklos helped grow the organization into a cornerstone of support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and housing insecurity in Fairfield County.
No successor has yet to be named.
Under Miklos’ leadership, Operation Hope experienced unprecedented growth and impact. The organization’s annual budget expanded from just over $800,000 to nearly $4,000,000, while client services grew from serving 250 individuals annually to 1,750. Miklos spearheaded the expansion of a more comprehensive housing portfolio through master leasing, Section 8 vouchers, and innovative partnerships with developers for set-aside units in new buildings. She also opened the organization’s food pantry to anyone in need in Fairfield and Easton, ensuring that no community member goes to bed hungry.
“As the former treasurer of Operation Hope’s board, I have personally worked with Carla Miklos for over 12 years,” said Ryan C. Sheppard, CPA. “Her leadership and tireless work ethic has transformed the organization into what it is today. I watched firsthand as she delivered results for Operation Hope’s clients and the broader community. Her legacy of integrity and leadership will be missed.”
Beyond Operation Hope’s organizational growth, Miklos played a pivotal leadership role in the broader community, helping to unify three separate continuums of care into one countywide entity. This collaboration coordinates all federal funding, maintains best practices and evidence-based approaches, and ensures high standards of performance across all agencies serving the region. Operation Hope’s mission is to eliminate homelessness and hunger.
“These 19 years have been some of the most fulfilling of my professional life,” said Miklos. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and the lives we have touched. While this decision was not easy, I believe the timing is right – both for me personally and for Operation Hope’s continued vitality.”
Miklos has committed to a seamless transition over the coming months. She will work closely with the board and leadership team to identify current strategic priorities, document institutional knowledge and key relationships, and support the search for and onboarding of her successor.
Following her retirement, Miklos plans to remain engaged with Operation Hope’s mission by supporting the organization’s ongoing initiative to develop a new facility. She looks forward to spending more time with her family and friends and is excited to see where this new chapter leads.
Last year Operation Hope received some good news about a move to the former Trinity St. Michael’s Church at 554 Tunxis Hill Road. At the March 31, 2025, Representative Town Meeting members approved via voice vote a 75-year ground lease for a garage at 488 Tunxis Hill Road and a $300,000 no-interest loan to help purchase the former site of Trinity St. Michael’s Church. Currently, Operation Hope runs its food pantry at 636 Old Post Road and its outreach offices and community kitchen at 50 Nichols St.
