Operation Hope of Fairfield announced today that Carla Miklos will retire as Executive Director at the end of March 2026, closing a remarkable 19-year chapter of service and leadership. During her tenure, Miklos helped grow the organization into a cornerstone of support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, hunger, and housing insecurity in Fairfield County.
Under Miklos’s leadership, Operation Hope experienced unprecedented growth and impact. The organization’s annual budget expanded from just over $800,000 to nearly $4,000,000, while client services grew from serving 250 individuals annually to 1,750. Miklos spearheaded the expansion of a more comprehensive housing portfolio through master leasing, Section 8 vouchers, and innovative partnerships with developers for set-aside units in new buildings. She also opened the organization’s food pantry to anyone in need in Fairfield and Easton, ensuring that no community member goes to bed hungry.
“As the former Treasurer of Operation Hope’s Board, I have personally worked with Carla Miklos for over 12 years. Her leadership and tireless work ethic has transformed the organization into what it is today. I watched firsthand as she delivered results for Operation Hope’s clients and the broader community. Her legacy of integrity and leadership will be missed,” said Ryan C. Sheppard, CPA.
Beyond Operation Hope’s organizational growth, Miklos played a pivotal leadership role in the broader community, helping to unify three separate continuums of care into one countywide entity. This collaboration coordinates all federal funding, maintains best practices and evidence-based approaches, and ensures high standards of performance across all agencies serving the region.
“These 19 years have been some of the most fulfilling of my professional life,” said Miklos. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and the lives we have touched. While this decision was not easy, I believe the timing is right – both for me personally and for Operation Hope’s continued vitality. I remain deeply committed to this organization and will continue to support Operation Hope as we conduct our capital campaign to secure a new home for the organization.”
Miklos has committed to a thoughtful and seamless transition over the coming months. She will work closely with the board and leadership team to identify current strategic priorities, document institutional knowledge and key relationships, and support the search for and onboarding of her successor.
Following her retirement, Miklos plans to remain engaged with Operation Hope’s mission by supporting the organization’s ongoing initiative to develop a new facility. She looks forward to spending more time with her family and friends and is excited to see where this new chapter leads.
About Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc.
For over 40 years, Operation Hope of Fairfield, Inc. has been dedicated to ending homelessness, hunger, and housing insecurity in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Through comprehensive services including outreach, housing, case management, food security programs, and more, the nonprofit serves approximately 1,750 individuals and families annually. Operation Hope believes everyone deserves supportive relationships, hope for the future and a place to call home. For more information, visit www.operationhopect.org.
Photo credit: Fairfield Lifestyle
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