Community Corner

Inspirica In Stamford Appoints Permanent CEO

Based in Stamford, Inspirica is dedicated to ending homelessness and housing insecurity.

Rosalba Messina had been serving on an interim basis since January following the departure of Denise Durham Williams.​
Rosalba Messina had been serving on an interim basis since January following the departure of Denise Durham Williams.​ (Richard Kaufman/Patch)

Information via Inspirica

STAMFORD, CT — Inspirica, Inc., the Stamford-based social services organization dedicated to ending homelessness and housing insecurity, announced on Wednesday the appointment of Rosalba Messina as permanent CEO.

Messina had been serving on an interim basis since January following the departure of Denise Durham Williams.

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"Since January 2024, in her role as Interim CEO, Rosalba has shown an unwavering commitment to our mission, values, and community. She has earned the trust and respect of the board, staff, partners, and supporters alike," said Inspirica Board Co-Chair Jane Carlin in a news release.

"After a thorough search process and considering several highly qualified candidates, our Board of Directors unanimously agreed that Rosalba is the ideal leader to propel Inspirica forward. We are confident that under her leadership, Inspirica will continue to build upon our successes, and we look forward to an exciting future ahead," added fellow Co-Chair Katie Bruce.

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Messina brings extensive experience from the nonprofit sector, having served in executive and senior leadership roles at various organizations dedicated to social service and advocacy.

Her previous roles include serving as CFO at Planned Parenthood of Greater NY and holding leadership positions at Bowery Residents' Committee (BRC) and Women In Need (WIN), both highly regarded New York City homeless service providers.

Prior to those roles, Messina has made significant contributions as the National Director of Operations at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the CFO/COO at the NY LGBT Community Services Center.

"I am honored and excited to continue working with the dedicated Board and staff at Inspirica as CEO," said Messina in a news release. "We have much to look forward to as we continue our mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members most in need of housing."

Inspirica is one of the largest providers of housing and comprehensive services to homeless and vulnerable residents in Fairfield County.

The organization operates 12 residential facilities, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, deeply affordable housing, and permanent supportive housing, housing approximately 475 individuals nightly.

Inspirica’s mission is to end homelessness and housing insecurity by helping individuals and families achieve independence through support services and affordable housing.

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