Dear Friend of La Casa de las Madres,
On behalf of La Casa de las Madres' Board of Directors, we are delighted to announce Lusero Arias as La Casa's new Executive Director. Effective January 31, 2023, Lusero will succeed Kathy Black, who is retiring after over 25 years with La Casa de las Madres.
La Casa was founded in 1976 by a coalition of Bay Area women and is San Francisco's oldest and largest shelter dedicated to women and children escaping domestic violence. Kathy joined La Casa in 1997 as Director of Development and was promoted to Executive Director in 2001. Under her leadership, Kathy has deepened La Casa's roots in the San Francisco Bay Area and built on La Casa's strong foundation in serving victims and survivors across the Bay Area. Kathy has recruited exceptional staff, at all levels, and created an outstanding relationship with the board of directors. She and her leadership team have successfully grown our base of supporters over the years.
Starting as a volunteer in 2013, Lusero Arias has long supported La Casa. She has been a key member of the La Casa team for nearly nine years, rising to her most recent role serving as Director of HR and Operations in 2019. As a vital member of the La Casa leadership team, she has forged strong relationships within the organization and our community. Lusero's time at La Casa has cemented her understanding of our operations and programs and our mission's impact on the community. Lusero holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance, certifications in Nonprofit Management, and Professional in Human Resources – California (PHRca®) and is working towards earning her Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University, all of which will serve her and La Casa well in her new role as Executive Director. Lusero’s appointment is the result of a nearly nine-month thorough and inclusive search process led by a board-appointed search committee.
It has been the pleasure of the Board to work side-by-side with Kathy, and we are immensely proud of La Casa's accomplishments under her leadership. We welcome her continued support and contributions through March 31 as part of a smooth transition. While we will personally miss Kathy immensely, we are extremely excited about deepening the Board’s relationship with Lusero.
Lusero has earned the respect and admiration of her coworkers, signaling her readiness to take on the leadership of La Casa. She brings a mission-centered and inclusive approach to decision-making and a track record of sustaining and contributing to an inspirational and motivational agency culture.
Thank you, Kathy, for successfully steering this organization for over 25 years and for your tireless commitment to furthering La Casa's mission. And congratulations, Lusero! We are confident that this strong and healthy organization will rest in excellent hands when you assume the Executive Director role later this month. The Board and staff look forward to partnering with you in taking La Casa into its next chapter.
Sincerely,
Michelle Zauss, Chair
Board of Directors
Shawn Steel, Board Member and
Search Committee Chair