EFAA is excited to introduce Patty Carvajal, EFAA’s first ever Director of Operations. As EFAA has grown and expanded our services over the years, Patty will bring much needed support and coordination to keep EFAA delivering its very best to our community.

What brought you to work for EFAA?

I recently moved to Colorado from Austin, Texas. I have worked in the nonprofit sector for the past 20 years, and the Director of Operations position is very similar to my previous job at an organization focused on basic needs, resource advocacy, and homelessness. I feel very lucky to be here and am excited to continue in this vein.

What will the Director of Operations position aim to achieve?

Streamlining, establishing processes, and taking things off other people’s plates that should “live” in an operational position. I like to wear a lot of different hats, and this position affords me that easily. Between IT, facilities management, centralizing purchases, managing contracts, and in-kind, there will never be a dull moment!

What excites you most about this new position?

The fact that it’s a new position at a grassroots organization, and I can play a role in helping EFAA grow. I’m also excited to lead such a great team. I love to problem-solve, get my hands dirty, and help others.

Tell us something about yourself that other people may not know about you.

My wife and I made a conscious decision early on to adopt older kids – our daughter is now 22. We’re thinking about fostering older kids again in the next year or so. We also have 4 dogs and 3 cats!