Media Contact:
Michelle Lomas
michelle.lomas@agital.com
PHOENIX, AZ (December 3, 2025) – UMOM New Day Centers proudly announces the appointment of Monique Lopez as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. Lopez, a seasoned nonprofit executive with more than two decades of experience in human services and housing innovation, was unanimously selected by UMOM’s Board of Directors—following a comprehensive talent search conducted by the Duffy Group—to lead the organization into its next chapter. Current CEO Jackson Fonder will transition to CEO Emeritus, ensuring continuity of leadership and strategic vision through this thoughtfully planned
transition.
“Monique is an extraordinary leader whose vision, dedication, and expertise make her the ideal person to guide UMOM into the future,” said Amy Davidson, Chair of the UMOM Board of Directors. “Her deep understanding of systems change and her commitment to family-centered, trauma-informed care have helped redefine how our community addresses homelessness.”
Since joining UMOM in 2016, Lopez has led major organizational transformations, most recently as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO. Her leadership has strengthened agency-wide operations, fostered innovative public-private partnerships, and advanced data-driven solutions that improve housing stability and self-sufficiency for families. Lopez has championed collaborative, scalable models that align local government, nonprofits, and community partners to address the root causes of homelessness, not just its symptoms.
“I am honored to lead UMOM at this critical moment in our community,” said Lopez. “With the right collaboration and resources, achieving functional zero for families experiencing homelessness is not just aspirational, it’s attainable. Our community has the expertise and compassion to make family homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.”
Lopez holds a Master of Science from San Jose State University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. In 2023, she was named a Virginia G. Piper Fellow, a distinction recognizing exceptional leadership and innovative approaches to social impact in Arizona.
“Leading UMOM has been one of the most meaningful responsibilities of my career,” said Jackson Fonder, outgoing CEO. “Monique is the right leader for what comes next. Her knowledge, creativity, and deep connections within this community will drive meaningful progress toward ending homelessness for families.”
Under Lopez’s leadership, UMOM will continue to advance its mission to restore hope, rebuild lives, and end homelessness in Maricopa County. Every night, UMOM provides safe shelter and supportive services for nearly 700 individuals, including 155 families and 80 single women, while offering more than 1,000 units of affordable housing across the Valley.
To learn more about UMOM’s mission, visit www.umom.org.
About UMOM New Day Centers
Founded in 1964, UMOM New Day Centers is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and serves the community of Maricopa County. UMOM’s unique approach is empathetic, connection-focused and individualized to every person. Every night, the organization provides safe shelter and supportive services for nearly 800 individuals experiencing homelessness – 155 families and 80 single women. We believe every person deserves the dignity of a safe, stable place to call home. Rooted in trust and proactive support, UMOM offers over 1,000 units of affordable housing across the Valley – all in service of our mission to restore hope, rebuild lives and end homelessness. Learn more at umom.org.