Camillus House, a non-profit that has provided life-changing services to the poor and homeless for more than six decades, today announced the retirement of CEO Hilda M. Fernandez. Fernandez has served as Camillus’ chief executive for the past seven years, leading the organization through a period of immense growth and the challenges of providing services to a vulnerable population during a pandemic. She is well-known for her knowledge of the system of care for the homeless in Miami-Dade – a system long recognized as a national model and one she was instrumental in developing almost thirty years ago; she twice served as the Executive Director of the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust.
The Camillus Board has appointed Chief Operating Officer Eddie Gloria as Acting CEO while they conduct a search to ensure continuous, strong leadership through the transition. Gloria has more than two decades of non-profit experience, including ten years at Camillus House. Throughout his career, Gloria also served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Alpha-1 Foundation and as the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice in Florida.
“Hilda’s compassionate leadership has been instrumental in helping Camillus address the ever-changing needs of the men, women and children that come to us for help,” said Camillus House Board Chair Paul Lowenthal. “Working with Eddie during this transition will ensure that we maintain our momentum – helping us further identify ways to expand services while continuing our focus on operational and programmatic efficiency. Camillus is fortunate to attract qualified leaders who understand the population we serve and do so with compassion and professionalism.”
I am proud of what we collectively accomplished and thankful for the opportunity to serve such an amazing organization that means so much to so many.
Hilda M. Fernandez, who will remain at Camillus through the end of May.
About Camillus House
Camillus House has provided humanitarian services to persons who are poor and homeless in Miami-Dade County, Florida, since 1960. As a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, Camillus House was originally established to serve Cuban exiles. From its humble beginning as a small soup kitchen, Camillus has grown into a full-service organization offering a comprehensive “system of care” including food, clothing, emergency, transitional and permanent housing, physical and mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.
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