The Board of Directors for Family Promise of Orange County (FPOC) is proud to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Saldaña as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Elizabeth brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, community development, and complex care systems to the position. She most recently served as a Senior Advisor with National Healthcare and Housing Advisors (NHHA), where she spearheaded the launch of multiple Community Care Campuses, expanding access to recuperative care, short-term housing, behavioral health services, urgent care, housing navigation, and sobering center services in California. Previously, she served as Vice President of Operations and Infrastructure at Illumination Foundation, where she oversaw operations across 45 facilities and managed a team of nearly 200 staff across Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino Counties.

Elizabeth’s experience also includes leadership roles at Community Action Partnership of Orange County and Giving Children Hope, where she led large-scale community development and anti-poverty initiatives. Her career has been marked by strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to families facing housing insecurity.

“Elizabeth is a visionary and compassionate leader with a deep understanding of both systems and people,” said Cathy Threadgill, FPOC Board President.  “Her experience leading large-scale community programs, combined with her passion for serving families, makes her the perfect person to guide FPOC into its next chapter of growth and impact.”

Founded in 2012, Family Promise of Orange County unites faith communities, service providers, and volunteers to create a pathway of support for families experiencing homelessness. The organization has helped hundreds of parents and children regain stability and secure permanent housing.

When asked about the role, Elizabeth shared,

“I began my career serving McKinney-Vento children and their families, and I remain passionate about ensuring that every child’s basic needs are met and they are given the opportunity to flourish. I believe that focusing on children is the key to disrupting cycles of family homelessness and creating lasting change in our community.”

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Project Management from the University of Phoenix, a Management Development for Entrepreneurs Certificate from UCLA Anderson School of Management, and is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt through UCLA Extension. She resides in Orange County with her husband of 25 years and their three children - Jonathan, Victoria, and Leo. Fluent in both English and Spanish.

FPOC welcomes Elizabeth’s leadership and looks forward to continuing to expand its impact under her guidance.