Brandy Waters has been named chief operating and finance officer of Joppa, a Des Moines nonprofit organization that helps homeless people find housing and rebuild their lives. Waters most recently was chief operating officer at the Iowa Clinic, where she led major initiatives including opening a 54,000-square-foot medical office building and 18,000-square-foot ambulatory surgery center. Waters’ move into the nonprofit sector reflects a personal desire to focus on work that creates lasting community impact, according to a news release. “I’m excited to contribute my experience in operations and strategic growth to help Joppa serve more individuals, strengthen its programs, and support our community’s most vulnerable neighbors,” Waters said in a prepared statement. At Joppa, Waters will focus on strengthening operational planning, oversight and organizational development while supporting the continued growth of Joppa’s programs and services. Since Joppa’s start in 2008, the organization has helped more than 800 people get off the streets and into permanent housing.