LISC Hampton Roads names program director

Naomi Gunnel joins regional nonprofit

Published August 4, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Naomi Gunnell. Photo courtesy LISC Hampton Roads

Regional nonprofit Local Initiatives Support Corp. (LISC) Hampton Roads announced Tuesday it has named Naomi Gunnell as its first program officer.

Gunnell previously worked with the city of Norfolk as a management analyst, administering U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants. She also served as a care coordinator for The Planning Council, connecting people experiencing homelessness with resources. In her new role, she will work to advance opportunities for area residents in economically stressed neighborhoods.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and her master’s degree in public administration from Old Dominion University.

LISC Hampton Roads is an affiliate of LISC, a 41-year-old national nonprofit organization with 35 local offices dedicated to connecting underinvested people and places with public and private resources. The Hampton Roads office opened in January this year and works with Norfolk-based Sentara Healthcare to improve resident health by increasing affordable care options, career development, financial literacy programs and community business support.