Posted on September 12, 2012 by SARAH MURPHY COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS ANNOUNCES DAVE GIFFEN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NEW YORK – The Coalition for the Homeless announced that Dave Giffen, formerly Vice Chair of the Coalition’s Board of Directors, has taken the position of Executive Director of the organization effective September 1, 2012. Mary Brosnahan, who has led the organization for over 20 years, will continue at the helm as President & CEO, with a continued focus on public policy, advocacy and direct service programs. “I’ve been deeply inspired by the work of the Coalition for 25 years and am tremendously excited to take a leadership role in its day-to-day fight on behalf of homeless men, women and children,” said Mr. Giffen. “There is simply no organization that does what the Coalition does – working on the streets and in the shelters, with government, the business community and all caring New Yorkers to develop effective and sensible solutions to this intolerable crisis.” “While the Coalition is best known for its groundbreaking advocacy, we also feed, clothe, provide crisis services, job training and permanent housing to more than 3,500 men, women and children each day,” said Mary Brosnahan. “With homelessness surging to new record levels, Dave Giffen’s passion and innovation will bring invaluable energy to the Coalition’s three decade fight on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors.” “Bringing on Dave Giffen will allow the Coalition to focus on strategic growth, increasing our capacity to deliver services and more effective advocacy and public education, especially through new media,” remarked Barry Berke, Chair of the Coalition’s Board. “Giffen’s tremendous experience in both the private and non-profit arenas will help the Coalition expand its efforts during a time of unprecedented need.” Mr. Giffen leaves his position as Vice President of the Mercator Corporation and brings two decades of experience in financial and project analysis, public relations, management consulting and non-profit development. Giffen has been involved with the Coalition for the Homeless since 1988 in a variety of staff and board positions. He began in 1988 as a volunteer with the Grand Central Food Program and shortly thereafter became the Program’s director. From 1990 through 1996 he was Deputy Director of the Coalition and has served as Vice Chair of the Board since 2009.
