Norwalk's Malta House Taps New Executive Director

Information via Malta House

NORWALK, CT — Malta House, a Norwalk non-profit organization committed to providing support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers and their children, announced this week the appointment of Michelle Saldivar as its new executive director.

According to a news release provided by Malta House, Saldivar replaces retiring director Lisa Casagrande Koeppel, whose leadership was instrumental in team building and the development of Malta House's nursery program to support moms and their babies.

Saldivar will lead a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, working closely with the board in implementing strategic initiatives that will advance the 27-year-old organization's mission and long-term vision.

She will oversee fundraising efforts, program development, financial operations, facility management, human resources, and community outreach, all aimed at empowering moms to thrive, according to Malta House.

Saldivar brings over 20 years of experience in the non-profit sector with various organizations where her responsibilities spanned strategic planning, fundraising initiatives, talent development, marketing, and resource and event management.

Most recently, she served as marketing and communications director at Literacy How, a Trumbull-based organization focused on closing the opportunity gap in reading. Through her innovative programs, Saldivar played a key role in advancing Literacy How's mission to improve literacy outcomes for underserved communities, according to Malta House.

During her seven years at Stamford-based Building One Community, Saldivar held a variety of roles, including overseeing citizenship programs, literacy initiatives, workforce development, COVID-19 response efforts, and fundraising campaigns.

Her work had a measurable impact on supporting immigrant communities in Fairfield County, empowering individuals and families to achieve economic mobility and social integration, according to Malta House.

"Michelle's successful record in non-profits committed to supporting underserved populations makes her an excellent fit for delivering on our mission and long-term strategic vision for transforming the lives of pregnant and parenting mothers and their children," Michael O'Rourke, acting chair of Malta House's Board of Directors, said in a news release. "Her experience in vocational training and literacy will be especially valuable in educating moms on workforce readiness."

A resident of Darien, Saldivar has a B.A. in economics and international studies from Stonehill College, where she graduated with highest honors.

"It is a privilege and a career highlight to join the leadership team at Malta House," Saldivar said in a news release. "I look forward to leveraging my skills in non-profit management to help further Malta House's important work, and to ensure that it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for the mothers and children we serve."