Protecting Warmth and Dignity: Hamilton County Kids Coats Appoints Executive Director

HAMILTON COUNTY, Ind. — April 30, 2026 — For two decades, Hamilton County Kids Coats has been a quiet constant.   Neighbors showing up for neighbors, making sure that when winter settles in, children don’t have to face it alone. What started as a simple act of care has grown into something the community counts on. Now, that work is entering a new chapter.

To reach more families and strengthen its impact for the years ahead, Kids Coats has named MaryEdith Malin as Executive Director.

Since its founding, the organization has operated as a true grassroots effort, powered by volunteers, supported by schools, and sustained through partnerships with churches and local organizations. This step is not about changing that foundation, but about protecting it and building on it, so no child is overlooked as the need continues to grow.

Malin brings a lifelong commitment to service, shaped by her leadership in the United States Air Force and years working alongside schools, nonprofits, and community partners. In those roles, she has seen how the smallest gaps can carry the biggest weight for families and how meeting a basic need can change the course of a child’s day.

“A coat is more than something you wear,” said Malin. “It’s what lets a child walk into school feeling comfortable, confident, and like they belong. That matters more than we sometimes realize. My heart has always been in mission-driven work because I believe good causes deserve strong, thoughtful systems behind them. When we build those well, we can reach more families and do it in a way that lasts.”

While she leads Kids Coats, Malin is also completing her Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration at the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business, with a focus on strengthening organizational strategy and scaling community impact.

“This organization has always been about people taking care of each other,” said Rosanne Burge, Board President. “MaryEdith is someone who can honor where we’ve been while helping us grow in a way that still feels personal and connected.”

In this next phase, Malin will focus on strengthening the network that makes the work possible.  Through relationships with schools, community partners, and local foundations, infrastructure will be built that ensures families can count on Kids Coats year after year.