Beat the heat and try to stay cool! 🥵 Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a multi-day stretch of severely hot and humid conditions, he is directing the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol to be activated effective at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and continuing until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Cooling centers are open across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1 or viewing the list that is published online at 211ct.org. 

Operation Hope of Fairfield is thrilled to share that following a comprehensive search by The Strategy Group, LLC, its Board of Directors announces the appointment of Fernando Muñiz as the next Executive Director, effective June 1, 2026. Muñiz succeeds Carla Miklos, who retired after 19 years of extraordinary leadership at the end of March 2026. 

Muñiz brings more than 25 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and government leader, with a strong track record of guiding complex social service organizations toward growth and impact. Most recently, as Chief Executive Officer of Community Solutions, Inc., he led a multi-state and international organization delivering more than 50 evidence-based programs across eight states and Canada. During his tenure, Muñiz built a cohesive, high-performing team and increased organizational revenue significantly during his eight years. He also led the organization through two strategic planning cycles, sharpening its focus on core areas of excellence while investing in staff training and leadership development to ensure long-term sustainability.

“Replacing a leader of Miklos’ caliber is a monumental task, and I am thankful to the Search Committee members for their diligence and dedication throughout this process,” said Colleen Connor, Board Chair. “We are incredibly pleased to welcome Fernando Muñiz to Operation Hope. The Board is confident that Muñiz’s extensive background in nonprofit work, strategic vision, compassion for the mission and collaborative leadership style are exactly what we need to guide our organization into our next chapter of growth and impact as we launch a capital campaign for a new home for Operation Hope.”

Prior to joining Community Solutions, Muñiz served as Deputy Commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families, where he oversaw critical operational divisions including Human Resources, Training, Fiscal, and Information Systems. In this capacity, he managed a complex agency budget and played a key role in realigning resources to support a new strategic vision. In addition to his executive leadership experience, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to the nonprofit sector through service on multiple boards of directors, including the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance, Capital for Change, Capital Workforce Partners and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

“I am honored to join Operation Hope and to build on the incredible work already underway by our dedicated staff, Board, partners and volunteers,” said Muñiz. “While the challenges of homelessness and hunger in our community continue to evolve, our mission remains steadfast. I have spent my career focused on equity-centered practices, and with a strong grounding in racial justice principles, I am inspired by the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to ensure that our most vulnerable community members receive the immediate relief and long-term care they deserve.”

To ensure a smooth transition, Muñiz and Interim Executive Director Erika Eng will work together during the month of June. Eng is enthusiastic about Muñiz as the next Executive Director and is confident he will continue Operation Hope’s role as an agency leader in ending hunger and homelessness in the region, as well as shepherd Operation Hope through a capital campaign to secure a new home for the organization. 

Our business office at 636 Old Post Road is closing today at 2pm. Our business office, Food Pantry and Community Kitchen will be closed Monday, May 25, in honor of Memorial Day. The business office and Community Kitchen will resume regular hours on Tuesday, May 26 and the Food Pantry will resume regular hours Wednesday, May 27, 10am-12pm. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!