PathPoint Appoints Chief Operations Officer

Santa Barbara, CA – Marielle DeFazio has been appointed as PathPoint’s first Chief Operations Officer, effective April 1, 2015.

Founded in Santa Barbara in 1964, PathPoint provides support services that empower people with disabilities, economic disadvantages, and mental illness to live and work as valued members of their communities. PathPoint celebrates the potential of over 2,100 people throughout San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Kern and Los Angeles counties. As the nonprofit’s first COO, Marielle joins the executive team and will concentrate on advising and supporting divisional operations in each of the six PathPoint divisions located throughout southern and central California, including Behavioral Health Services.

DeFazio serves as State Coordinator for Project SEARCH, and was previously Vice President/Director of Operations of PathPoint’s Ventura and LA Counties.

DeFazio joined PathPoint in 2005 and brings many years of non-profit management, fiscal, evaluation, contracts, grant writing, and organizational development experience in the areas of developmental disabilities, mental health, community development, and youth empowerment. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University Northridge and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Ventura College. Professional Licenses/Certifications include: Ventura County Leadership Academy, Alumni; Designated Subjects Teaching Credential; Certified Victim Advocate, Office of Criminal Justice Planning.