New executive director takes helm at Conejo/Las Virgenes Foundation

CHANGING OF THE GUARD—Karen Malatesta, left, will take Fran Brough's post at the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation in January. Calabasas resident Karen Malatesta has been training to take over the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation executive director post that Fran Brough has held for the past 13 years. By all accounts, Malatestsa is ready for the challenge of running the regional think tank.

Malatesta, 48, will take the reins Jan. 1 when Brough steps down as director and becomes a board trustee of the foundation.

Malatesta earned a degree in psychology from the University of Southern California and worked with nonprofit organizations for seven years before accepting the foundation job. She handled capital campaigns for the Westmark School in Encino and served as director of operations for BookEnds, a nonprofit group in West Hills that recycles children's books through student-run book drives for schools and youth organizations.

As for her new post, Malatesta said, "I found what the foundation does to be worthwhile and interesting.

"The foundation is involved in everything, from housing and the environment to the arts and education," Malatesta said. "It's all community-related, and it's the community I care about."

One of Malatesta's goals for 2009 is to increase the foundation's membership base and boost the profile of the organization in all Conejo Valley communities.

Brough said 12 people applied for the job and five were interviewed.

"I think (Malatesta's) experience in funding development was a new dimension," Brough said. "My orientation was that of office manager and project coordinator. I got hung up behind the computer and didn't get out into the community as much as I would have liked. Karen will be out there with chambers and other groups."

Brough said that the foundation sponsors such a wide variety of programs each year that Malatesta will have to personally experience what is involved with planning and implementing such programs as Youth Congress, Senior Congress, special forums, lectures and seminars. The foundation has also hosted the annual CLvFFie Awards to honor leaders in business, the arts, education and other industries. Malatesta will be involved with revamping the awards program.

"Karen may have to go through a year cycle before she really gets it," Brough said.

For more information on Conejo Valley/Las Virgenes Future Foundation programs or events, visit www.clvff.org or call Malatesta at (818) 8801054.