CAMBA Appoints Samantha Conlan as Chief Development and Communications Officer
Brooklyn, NY — August 18, 2026 — CAMBA, a New York City nonprofit serving more than 70,000 New Yorkers annually through housing, health, education and economic mobility programs, today announced the appointment of Samantha Conlan as Chief Development and Communications Officer. Conlan brings more than 25 years of experience leading integrated advancement strategies for prominent New York City nonprofit and cultural institutions.
“Samantha brings the strategic vision, creativity, and energy needed as CAMBA approaches its 50th anniversary,” said Valerie Barton-Richardson, President and CEO of CAMBA/CAMBA Housing Ventures. “Following a comprehensive search process, we identified Samantha as the right person to elevate CAMBA’s fundraising and external engagement efforts. Her experience will be a tremendous asset as CAMBA begins its next chapter.”
“Joining an organization with CAMBA’s storied legacy and deep commitment to New Yorkers is an opportunity to contribute my experience to a mission I deeply value,” said Samantha Conlan. “I look forward to partnering with Valerie, the Boards, and the leadership teams to build on CAMBA’s impact and support its continued success.”
Conlan joins CAMBA from HELP USA, a national housing and homeless services organization, where she served as Chief Development and Communications Officer and a member of the executive team. During her tenure, she launched signature platforms including The Art of Resilience, featuring international artists such as Mickalene Thomas and Derrick Adams, and Upstream Symposium, a sold-out annual forum featuring leading voices in housing, philanthropy, and social impact, including Pulitzer Prize–winning author Brian Goldstone and Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
Over the course of her career, Conlan has secured more than $100 million in private philanthropic support and held senior development and communications roles at The New York Botanical Garden, the Museum of Arts and Design, and the Wildlife Conservation Society. She was recognized by City & State New York as part of its Gen X 50 list, honoring leaders shaping the future of New York; and received a Telly Award for her work bringing national visibility to supportive housing through a segment on Advancements with Ted Danson.
Conlan can be reached at [email protected] or 929.466.1919. She joins CAMBA as Kathy de Meij, Senior Vice President of Development and Communications, prepares to retire after nine years of service.
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About CAMBA: Founded in 1977, CAMBA, Inc. is one of Brooklyn’s largest community-based social service organizations. Its mission is to provide services that connect people with opportunities that enhance their quality of life and develop their communities. CAMBA annually provides services to over 70,000 individuals and families in six core areas: Economic Development; Education and Youth Development; Family Support; Health, Housing and Legal Services. CAMBA clients are those who are: moving from welfare to work; individuals and families experiencing, at risk of or transitioning out of homelessness; individuals living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS; immigrants and refugees; children and young adults; entrepreneurs; and others struggling to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
