Malta House, an independent 501c 3 nonprofit organization in Norwalk, Connecticut, committed to promoting the dignity of God-given life by providing a nurturing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their children, has appointed Lisa Casagrande Koeppel as executive director.
She will direct a team of staff and volunteers and work in conjunction with the Malta House Board to set a clear vision that will move the organization forward. She will oversee the development and implementation of fundraising initiatives, quality programs and services, as well as financial operations, facility management, human resources and community outreach for the 25-year-old organization.
Koeppel has more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in leadership roles addressing mental health, addiction, homelessness and at-risk families. She brings a successful track record in program and operational management, strategic planning, fundraising and community engagement.
Most recently as Director of Planning & Communications for Connecticut Institute for Communities Inc. (CIFC), Koeppel was responsible for all aspects of government, private and public funding, corporate grants and external communications for enhancing the organization”™s public image and positioning. Prior to CIFC, Koeppel was executive director at Danbury”™s Amos House Inc., a transitional housing agency for homeless women with children dedicated to ensuring they have the competency for permanent self-sufficient independent living.
“Lisa brings a wealth of relevant experience to Malta House that will enable us to deliver on our mission and values through expanded operations and programming,” said Malta House Board Chair Kim Petrone. “Her success in rebuilding Amos House after being asked to serve as interim volunteer director to prevent the agency from closing, coupled with her expertise in transitional housing programs, is exemplary. Our Board is confident that Lisa has the passion and seasoned leadership Malta House requires for achieving our long-term strategic vision and financial objectives for helping mothers in need build brighter futures.”
A resident of Danbury, Koeppel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in social science and social work from Western Connecticut State University.
Malta House was established in 1998 with the goal of breaking the cycle of poverty among pregnant and parenting mothers. It is the only transitional living program in the state where a mom can stay with her baby for long-term support. Since opening its doors, it have welcomed almost 800 mothers and babies and provided over 8,900 nights of shelter.
