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Menlo Park woman heads Shelter Network
• Harvard Business School grad has a business background.

Karae Lisle of Menlo Park, a Silicon Valley executive with 15 years of experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, is the new executive director of Shelter Network, a nonprofit that provides shelter and services to homeless families and individuals.

Ms. Lisle succeeds Michele Jackson, who is retiring after 10 years in the post. Based in Burlingame, Shelter Network operates six shelters in San Mateo County, including Haven Family House in Menlo Park.

Ms. Lisle, a Harvard Business School graduate, was previously chief marketing officer at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.

Her professional career in the private sector began with a technical role at Burroughs Corporation, progressing to sales management positions in a variety of tech companies. She was a principal at Wellbourne International, providing consulting services for companies, and has led seminars and training for such companies as Microsoft, Silicon Valley Bank and Hewlett Packard.

Ms. Lisle's community service experience includes work with the Battered Women's Shelter in Atlanta and the Florida Special Olympics.

Due to the economic downturn, Shelter Network is receiving an average of 1,500 calls a week for services, compared to 100 a week three years ago, says spokesperson Maria Duzon. In the past year, the organization has provided shelter and support more than 4,000 people. It is the primary provider of temporary housing and support services in San Mateo County.

Visit shelternetwork.org for more information about Shelter Network.