Announcing Our New Permanent Executive Director

Spoiler Alert: You may already know him! 

For the last several years, Interim Executive Director Joseph Iarocci has done an incredible job leading us through this transition. Meanwhile, David-Lee Mattison has gotten to know many of you as our Chief Program Officer, spearheading important programs and initiatives like Families on the Move, Freedom School, various food security partnerships, and more.

He came to us after more than two decades working with vulnerable populations in Atlanta. Under his programmatic leadership, we’ve increased our social services, expanded key partnerships, and elevated our educational offerings. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have his experience and servant’s heart leading our work as we look to the future. 

Please join us in welcoming our new permanent Executive Director, David-Lee Mattison.

A Conversation With David-Lee

We recently caught up with David-Lee to learn more about his experience at Emmaus House thus far, as well as his vision for the future.

What first attracted you to Emmaus House?  

The fact that Emmaus House is a faith- and place-based organization, and that it offered me the chance to get back into the full social services field. 

What has your experience been like as Chief Program Officer? 

My experience has been nothing less than amazing. Since I began at Emmaus House, I’ve had the opportunity to build new long-term partnerships with agencies that provide on-site health clinics, banking options, mental health support, as well as more direct social services. I’ve also been able to build relationships with long-term community members, which is vital to the work we do.

What are you most looking forward to as Executive Director?

I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundation that already exists at Emmaus House. As always, our priorities will be guided by the needs of our community, as well as by the insight and experience of our amazing staff and board. I’m looking forward to leveraging my past experience in housing to strengthen the support we offer our most vulnerable residents, and I would love to explore more ways to serve our seniors and provide wraparound social services to the community. 

Where do you see Emmaus House headed over the next several years?

One of the great things about being a place-based organization is that where we’re headed is where we are. We will continue to serve and grow alongside this historic community, rising to meet new challenges and making the most of new opportunities. We're already exploring exciting new ways to serve our community, and look forward to sharing more soon!