The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust has appointed Victoria Mallette as the new executive director of the Trust replacing its outgoing executive director, Hilda Fernandez.
The board ratified the decision of its search subcommittee at the June board meeting. Also ratified by the board is the appointment of Manny Sarria as deputy executive director-designate, a position created to drive the “NOFA” federal grants process undertaken each year by the Trust. “NOFA” (Notice of Funding Availability) awards are nearly 50 percent of the Trust’s annual budget.
“Ms. Mallette’s vast experience representing and navigating government entities, coupled with her deep communications expertise, sets her up to do an excellent job of carrying out Miami-Dade County’s Community Homeless Plan,” said Ronald L. Book, chair of the Miami- Dade County Homeless Trust. “And Manny Sarria, a dedicated past Trust board member and tireless homeless advocate and volunteer, has been active in homeless issues in Miami for more than 18 years.
“These two professionals, working together, are a powerhouse team and will provide strong vision and leadership for the Trust and for our community,” Book added. “We are excited to start this new chapter of leadership.”
Mallette will be leaving her post as acting director of Development, Advocacy and Communications for Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. She walks into her new position with two decades of experience in all facets of communications, public affairs, and business development. Prior to her Parks position, Mallette served as director of communications for former Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.
She began her career in television in positions such as senior political producer and investigative producer at WPLG-TV, Local 10. She follows in the footsteps of Hilda Fernandez who is leaving the Trust to assume a position at St. Thomas University.
Sarria has a Master of Science in Social Work from FIU and spent 18 years managing supportive housing programs in Miami-Dade County at Citrus Health Network. Recognized for excellence in his field by numerous organizations, he supervised programs providing supportive housing, jail diversion, and prevention and rapid re-housing for the homeless. He administered state-funded outpatient service grants and federally designated outpatient clinics benefiting the homeless.
For more information regarding the Homeless Trust visit www.homelesstrust.org.
