Malea Chavez joined the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) as Chief Program Officer in April 2024, bringing decades of experience in community-based leadership and social impact.

A San Francisco native born and raised in the Mission District, Malea has deep roots in the community she serves. Her relationship with MEDA spans her career—having previously contributed to the organization’s legal services and program development initiatives earlier in her professional journey.

Most recently, Malea served as CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. She has also held leadership positions as Executive Director of The Women’s Building and Deputy Director of the Homeless Prenatal Program, both in San Francisco. A graduate of UC College of the Law, San Francisco, Malea has dedicated her career to advancing opportunity, equity, and economic stability for working-class families.