As a steadfast supporter and founding donor of Napa Valley COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), we are thrilled to welcome Miguel Ángel Castañón as the new Executive Director for the organization. Miguel brings a wealth of experience in health and safety, having previously served as Safety Officer for OLE Health (now CommuniCare+Ole) and as Director of Facilities and Safety at Sacramento Native American Health Center. We’re excited about the perspective and strategies he’s set to bring to COAD, a vital part of our community’s resilience.
We owe immense gratitude to Celeste Giunta, COAD’s outgoing Executive Director, who has been at the helm since June 2019. Her leadership during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 wildfires was remarkable. Under her guidance, COAD strengthened its role in coordinating effective disaster response and improved collaboration among member organizations. Celeste’s unwavering commitment to the community during this crucial period is the legacy she leaves behind, and it’s baked into the DNA of the organization.
Since helping to establish Napa Valley COAD after the 2014 Earthquake, we have watched proudly as it’s taken on a leading role in coordinating community response to multiple disasters, including the 2017 and 2020 wildfires, and the COVID-19 pandemic. COAD plays an essential background role in local disasters, leading the non-governmental disaster response. It brings together nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and private businesses, and it works closely with the government, especially with the County.
To learn more about COAD and its vital role in our community, click here.