Mission stewardship
Protect CASA’s purpose, values and long-term direction.
Accountability
Oversee strategy, finances, quality and organizational performance.
Community connection
Represent the voices, needs and strengths of the communities CASA serves.
Meet the Board
Leadership grounded in service.
Executive Board
​Jose Ortiz, Chairperson
Jose is one of the founders of CASA. He was also a board member in CASA's early years. Jose retired from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) where he developed and administered a statewide initiative to ensure that underserved populations received culturally appropriate services. He retired from DHMAS in 2011. Later, Jose served as the Hispanic Health Council's Chief Executive Officer. He retired from that position in 2020. In addition to an MBA, Jose has an MS in Community Mental Health and is a licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
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Frank Delgado, MBA, Vice Chair
Frank has a Masters in Business and Education. He is a Management Development and Training Leader; Master Black Belt, Lean Six Sigma Training and Process improvement Expert. Frank has over 40 years of experience designing, developing and presenting training seminars in five areas: Quality (Six Sigma); Managerial/Supervisory; Skill Development and Sales/Marketing to Fortune 500 companies in such industries as: finance; telecommunications; manufacturing and education.
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Sylviana López, Secretary
Sylviana Lopez serves as Chief People Officer at Viability, Inc. and brings more than 15 years of human resources leadership experience, primarily in the nonprofit and human services sectors. Her expertise includes employee relations, training and development, recruitment, policy development, compensation and benefits, strategic leadership, and risk management.
Before transitioning into human resources, Sylviana worked in direct services, including case management for a welfare-to-workforce program in the Town of Hamden and as a Medical Case Manager supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS, dual diagnoses, homelessness, and those returning to the community after incarceration. During this time, she collaborated with CASA as a partner agency, establishing a connection that inspired her ongoing commitment to the organization's mission and her passion for nonprofit service.
Sylviana holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from the University of New Haven and a bachelor's degree from Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. She resides in Hamden, Connecticut.
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Vicente Sánchez, PhD, Treasurer
Dr. Sanchez is a scientist retired from federal service where he conducted forest research. He has been involved with community service and youth programs for many years as a board member and volunteer. His interests in community based programs continue as a contractor in health based programing and information management.​
Members-At-Large
​​​​Miguel Ayala
Miguel is a resident of Shelton, Connecticut and was employed for 45 years for Connecticut Legal Services as a paralegal. He retired in 2016. Miguel has served as a member of the Board of Directors at CASA since 2004 and has also served as a member of the Board of Director at Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders since 2005. Miguel is also the Director of Community Outreach for the same organization.
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Arturo Gravina
Arturo serves as Vice President of Operations and Partner at Champion Maintenance & Construction, a Connecticut-based commercial cleaning and facility services company built on reliability, accountability, and results. He oversees daily operations and leads service delivery for a diverse portfolio of clients, including corporate offices, hospitals, schools, commercial properties, and construction sites throughout Connecticut and New York. With extensive hands-on experience in contract management, workforce leadership, and operational systems, Arturo has developed scalable processes that ensure consistent service performance and high client satisfaction. His leadership emphasizes professionalism, regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and continuous operational improvement across all levels of the organization.
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Arturo has also served on the Planning and Zoning Board for the City of Bridgeport. In this role, he contributed to local development initiatives, land use planning decisions, and community growth strategies - further demonstrating his commitment to responsible development and civic leadership.
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Madeline Vargas, MS
Madeline has a Masters in Human Services with concentration of Organizational Leadership. She has 25 years of experience in Behavior Health and working in a Multi-Cultural treatment facility along with experience with DUI clients. Madeline worked for Casa Inc. for 20 years, providing her direct knowledge of the treatment services available at Casa Inc. She is bilingual and has experience working with multi-disciplinary clients and staff.
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Interested in serving CASA’s mission?
Execute your leadership as a Board or Committee member at CASA.
Why Join Us in Serving?
Make a difference beyond yourself
Share your expertise
Strengthen Your Leadership
Expand Your Network
Why Board Service Matters
Board members help ensure that individuals and families continue to receive life-changing services and support.
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Your voice as a Board (or committee) member helps us shape:
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Strategic direction
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Organizational sustainability
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Community partnerships
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Program growth
Today, we are looking at CASA’s future with a renewed sense of commitment to the mission and the work we do. We need additional voices, backgrounds and experience to help lead us in accomplishing our goals.
What We Do
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Mental Health Services
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Recovery Support
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Family & Community Programs
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Care Coordination
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Prevention & Education
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Whole-Person Wellness
Your Role
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Govern and provide oversight and strategic guidance.
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Advocate by serving as ambassadors for CASA.
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Engage as you prepare for and attend meetings.
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Support Resource Development - Help connect CASA to opportunities, partnerships, and supporters.
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Uphold Fiduciary Responsibility - Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
The Commitment
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9 Board Meetings - No meetings in July, August, or December
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Committee Participation - At least 1 committee assignment
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Special Events - Attendance and participation strongly encouraged
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Strategic Planning Retreat - Once a year
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A donation to CASA - A meaningful contribution that aligns with your personal beliefs