Local non-profit organization Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy (FUSION) has hired on a new executive director.

FUSION, which has expanded in the past year, has hired on Phyllis Tellari as the first full-time paid staff position. Tellari has previously helped raise funds for the Knutzen Family Theatre and has been on the Seattle YMCA Financial Development Advisory Board and FUSION’s Advisory Board.

FUSION’s annual summer arts event will take place Aug. 5 at the Dumas Bay Centre in Federal Way. Tickets are $55 per person in advance or $65 at the door. All proceeds from ticket sales, artist commissions, auction donations and raffle are used to cover costs of providing professional case management and support services for clients in 15 transitional homes.

To learn more, visit www.fusionfederalway.org or call (253) 941-0820.