Diana Arfine of Ridgefield has been named Executive Director effective July 1. Francine Normann, who has led the our chapter for more than a decade, was named Interim Director of Special Projects until her retirement this fall.
Diana joined Housatonic Habitat in 2020 as manager of its ReStore operations. Previously, Diana was Public Relations Coordinator at the Ridgefield Thrift Shop where she also served as community relations liaison. Housatonic Habitat has a long relationship with the Ridgefield Thrift Shop which has been a donor and also a member of the ReSale Associaton which includes area thrift shops who support non-profit charities. Diana comes to us with a diverse background including corporate experience, non-profit and community organizations and entrepreneurial endeavors.
“Since joining our ReStore operations,” Fran said, “Diana has called upon her strong social media, marketing and team building skills to grow the thrift store’s strong brand.” Fran noted that sales from ReStore are used to build Habitat homes within the communities it serves.
Diana will join with newly elected Board of Director's President John Gonski to focus on the affiliate's continued growth. John , a resident of Sandy Hook, has served on the Board of Director's as treasure.
Background
Diana founded her own retail operations in both Ridgefield and Minnesota. Diana was also an Associate Editor at The Reader’s Digest for many years. The Ridgefield resident is a member of the Board of Directors of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, and has worked with the National Charity League and Girl Scouts of America.
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