FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                        

LARAE MARDESIC BECHMANN NAMED PRESIDENT AND CEO OF CHRYSALIS

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (October 25, 2007) – Chrysalis, Los Angeles’ only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to helping homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals become self-sufficient through employment, today announced the appointment of LaRae Mardesic Bechmann as President and Chief Executive Officer. 

In her position, Bechmann will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the nonprofit organization, including Chrysalis' three client service centers and overseeing development and community relationships.  She will also be responsible for Chrysalis Enterprises, a revenue-generating division of Chrysalis, which provides quality services to business and government agencies throughout Los Angeles County, while also providing individuals who need work experience the opportunity to re-enter the job market. 

"The Board and I are very pleased to have such an effective, successful and passionate leader as LaRae to head our organization," said Bob Hart, Chrysalis Board Chair. "LaRae has proven her success in the development department and has led the organization through two of the highest-grossing events in the organization’s history.  We look forward to her leadership at Chrysalis.”

“Anyone that comes to visit our offices is sure to support the Chrysalis mission and the people that we serve,” says Bechmann.  “Our program is truly the most effective way to help the homeless community work toward permanent employment and eventually, self sufficiency.  I look forward to introducing many new community leaders to our unique business model and building on our historical success in the community.”

Bechmann’s background speaks to more than 15 years of fundraising and marketing experience for non-profit organizations, most recently serving as Chief Development Officer for Chrysalis.  She has also served as Vice President of Development for the Petersen Automotive Museum, Director of Development for the University of Southern California, and Vice President of Development for the Discovery Eye Foundation.  She has also led the corporate fund raising campaign for Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral and is a long-time volunteer of Chrysalis, serving as co-chair of Friends of Chrysalis, one of the organization's special fundraising committees. 

About Chrysalis

Chrysalis is a Los Angeles based nonprofit organization founded in 1984 as a food and clothing distribution center serving homeless men and women living on the streets of Los Angeles’ Skid Row.  As the agency grew, it became clear that longer-term solutions were needed in order to eradicate poverty and homelessness. Chrysalis developed an effective and nationally recognized program to help homeless people become job ready and ultimately find and retain employment. Today, Chrysalis’ philosophy remains the same—a steady job is the single most important step in a person’s transition to long-term self-sufficiency. Currently, Chrysalis has three centers open in the Los Angeles area: Skid Row, Santa Monica and Pacoima.  Last year alone, Chrysalis connected more than 2,200 homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals with jobs.

Chrysalis Enterprises, a division of Chrysalis, offers quality services to businesses and government agencies throughout Los Angeles County while providing paths out of poverty for thousands of men and women every year. Through its two business divisions, Chrysalis Works and Chrysalis Staffing, Chrysalis Enterprises is able to offers individuals who need work experience the opportunity to re-enter the job market through apprenticeship and temporary work assignments.

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MEDIA CONTACT:             

Kurstin Faraone
Murphy O'Brien, Inc.
310-586-7104
kfaraone@murphyobrien.com