Avesta Names President and CEO
Jennifer Hawkins has been appointed president and CEO of Avesta Housing, northern New England’s largest nonprofit affordable housing provider.
Hawkins brings more than 20 years of industry leadership and experience to the role. She recently served as president and CEO of One Neighborhood Builders in Providence, Rhode Island.
“I am deeply honored to join Avesta Housing and to partner with the talented team, dedicated board, and vibrant communities that make this organization so exceptional,” Hawkins said. “Avesta is a highly respected affordable housing powerhouse. I’m eager to build upon its incredible track record and lead the organization to realize new heights because everyone deserves a place to call home.”
Headquartered in Portland, Maine, Avesta operates 100 affordable properties, more than 3,000 apartments, and two assisted-living facilities.
Zaterman Announces Retirement
Sunia Zaterman, longtime executive director of the Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), has announced her plans to retire at the end of the year.
She has led CLPHA, a national nonprofit membership organization that works to preserve and improve public and affordable housing through advocacy, research, policy analysis, and public education, for more than 30 years.
Throughout her tenure, Zaterman has remained a steady and thoughtful steward of the needs of CLPHA members, who today number more than 85 of the largest and most innovative public housing authorities (PHAs) across the country. CLPHA’s members collectively own and manage nearly 40% of the nation’s public housing stock, administer more than a quarter of the Housing Choice Voucher program, and provide a wide array of other rental assistance. Under Zaterman’s leadership, CLPHA has centered on the needs of low-income families that PHAs serve.
“For over three decades Sunia has been one of the most influential leaders in the housing industry,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, CLPHA board president and Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority CEO. “CLPHA, under Sunia’s leadership, has helped shape the evolution, innovation, and development of public and affordable housing. Our housing industry will forever be grateful for her advocacy, dedication, and commitment, as well as the many significant contributions that Sunia has made, which have been so beneficial to communities across the nation.”
The CLPHA board of directors has engaged Sally M. Sterling Executive Search to lead a nationwide search for a new executive director.
Cannon Heyman & Weiss Announces Moves
Constance C. Giessert has been named to the executive committee of Cannon Heyman & Weiss (CHW), a Buffalo and Albany, New York-based affordable housing and community development law firm.
Constance C. Giessert
She will be one of four firm partners on the committee, which handles a tailored set of daily management decisions on behalf of the firm. Giessert joined CHW in 2007 and was made a partner in 2015.
Stephen L. Yonaty has been named a managing partner at the firm. In his new role, Yonaty will oversee day-to-day operations, develop strategic plans, and manage firm finances in conjunction with the firm’s executive committee. Yonaty began his tenure at CHW in 2006 and was named a partner in 2010. He has broad experience in all aspects of affordable housing and community development.
Aurora Housing Authority Names Executive Director
Steve Blackstock has been appointed executive director of the Housing Authority of the City of Aurora (AHA) in Colorado.
He has served AHA since 2016 in multiple leadership roles, including manager, director, and senior director of the Department of Family Services. Most recently, he guided the organization through a transitional period as interim executive director for the past six months.
Dominium Elevates Densmore
Jen Densmore has been promoted to vice president of human resources at Dominium, a leading affordable housing developer, owner, and manager.
She moves to her new post after serving as director of talent acquisition.
A three-year veteran of the company, Densmore joined Dominium with more than 20 years of experience in human resources and talent acquisition.
