NORTH COAST, Calif. – The Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa announced Monday that Len Marabella has been named as executive director by a unanimous vote.

The decision came after an exhaustive national search to fill the position left vacant in April and filled by Board member Marabella on an interim basis. He assumes the position immediately.

“Len had not put his hat in the ring for the position until he had been on the job for several months,” said Board of Directors President Joan Maxwell commented. “At that point we were midway through the search process. It quickly became clear that Len was the most qualified person for the role, possessing a passion and dedication to the works of Catholic Charities that dwarfed all other candidates. Len has the perfect blend of dedication to our mission and the business acumen and leadership to bring the organization to the next level.”

Marabella has a background in strategic management and marketing, including several years with JDSU as director of marketing for laser products.

He has a PhD in Chemical Physics from Indiana University and was a post-doctoral research associate at MIT. 

He and his wife Pat were honored as Catholic Charities Volunteers of the Year in 2013.

During his tenure as interim executive director, Marabella saw the expansion of the agency’s homeless outreach efforts, Alzheimer’s Respite services, immigration and citizenship work, parish outreach, and health and wellness programs. 

“I am so impressed by the caliber of people who work at Catholic Charities and the work that is being done for the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Marabella. “I just couldn’t walk away. I am honored to be working with our board, our staff, and our community partners in one day ending the cycle of poverty, hopelessness, and fear that our clients experience. This is not just our mission – it is our duty.”

Annually, Catholic Charities, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by community partnerships, grants, and individual donations, serves 15,000 men, women, and children in its 20 programs from Sonoma to the Oregon border. 

The agency was accredited in 2013 by the Council on Accreditation, and is the only accredited nonprofit in Sonoma County.

For more information, please contact Catholic Charities at 707-528-8712.