The CEO of Bloomfield nonprofit Operation Fuel, which provides emergency energy assistance to families and others in Connecticut, is leaving her role on Nov. 2, the organization announced Thursday.
Brenda Watson — who has been with the organization for 14 years, including six years as CEO — is stepping down to work for the Northeast Home Energy Raters Alliance.
“I did not come to this decision lightly as I am leaving a position that I truly love,” Watson said. “I am joyful in knowing that I leave this organization in the very capable hands of our board and staff, who all care very deeply about Operation Fuel and its mission.”
Watson joined Operation Fuel in January 2010 as director of community programs, and was named executive director in February 2018.
The nonprofit said it will name an interim CEO while a nationwide search is conducted for Watson’s successor.
According to its latest available tax filing, Operation Fuel reported $6.6 million in revenue in fiscal year 2022, up 31.4% from the prior year. It also recorded higher expenses in fiscal 2022, which led to a $224,000 operating loss.
In fiscal year 2021, Operation Fuel recorded a $378,030 surplus, tax records show.
It recorded total assets of $2.7 million as of June 30, 2022.
Operation Fuel is the state’s primary source of energy and utility assistance for low- to moderate-income households who are struggling financially and have exhausted other options.
