Stuff in the ‘Housing’ Category
Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency Takes Historic Step with Appointment of Interim CEO
LOS ANGELES, CA — The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA), a new independent countywide agency with broad new powers to support housing affordability and representation from small and large cities across the county, held a board meeting that introduced new board chair Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson and featured the swearing in of newly-appointed interim CEO Ryan Johnson, effective immediately.
“The bold vision of LACAHSA has the potential to underwrite a brave new era of affordable housing production and homelessness prevention in every L.A. County neighborhood that is feeling stressed by housing costs,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, LACAHSA’s board chair. “To meet this vision, we need an innovative and entrepreneurial-minded CEO that is prepared to find solutions to address the region’s most complex challenge and deliver results, and we’ve found that in Ryan Johnson.”
For its first year of operations, the Agency has drawn on philanthropic grant funds in order to build its operating infrastructure. A key accomplishment was the hiring of new interim CEO Ryan Johnson, who has directed over $4B in multifamily development and acquisition and brings 17 years of expertise in real estate, capital formation, and affordable housing development. His career encompasses the for-profit real estate sector, private equity, and non-profit affordable housing, where he has effectively implemented innovative public policy and financial structures.
“I am thrilled to join LACAHSA as the Interim CEO. LACAHSA offers a unique opportunity to confront the collective housing issues of the county with innovative solutions and collective financial impact,” said Johnson. “I am eager to leverage my professional experience, commitment to public service, and ability to create unique partnerships to contribute to these impactful efforts and drive meaningful change for our community. I also want to extend my gratitude to those who have tirelessly advanced this initiative; their dedication to the LA community is truly inspiring, and we are ready to get started.”
Johnson boasts a distinguished and dynamic background in finance, capital markets, and real estate, with extensive experience across various organizations. He most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer at Fulham Square Capital, a firm focused on workforce housing investments in the Southeast and Southwest. Previously, he served and as a Principal at Greyrock Capital Management, and additionally as Vice President of Capital Markets and Real Estate at Community Housing Opportunities Corporation where Johnson oversaw major transactions, led the expansion of the organization’s geographic footprint and mission-based reach in the western region of the U.S., and directed the first institutional sale of 54 HAP units including selecting a broker, negotiation of the PSA, and interviewing buyers. Johnson holds a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Real Estate Finance from Georgetown University, a Master of Public Administration from Suffolk University, and dual undergraduate degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. He is also a certified Argus Instructor and has completed specialized training in CCIM Troubled Asset Workshop and Fitch CMBS Credit Analysis.
Led by City of Bellflower Council Member and LACAHSA chair of Interim CEO Recruitment/Hiring Ad-Hoc Committee Victor Sanchez, LACAHSA performed a nationwide search to find the right fit to lead the agency and spur on innovation in the sector. Through a competitive bid process, LACHASA retained KEES, a national executive search firm, as its executive search partner earlier in 2024. Following a thorough national search, Johnson was appointed unanimously from a pool of distinguished finalists.
Sanchez commented, “The appointment of an Interim CEO marks a key step in our commitment to advancing the three P’s of housing: Production, Preservation, and Protection. This innovative regional strategy highlights our dedication to developing solutions for the complex housing challenges we face. By concentrating on these critical areas, and with our Interim CEO spearheading the initial efforts, we are positioning ourselves to effectively address the urgent issues of affordability and accessibility in our community.”
“We extend our congratulations to LACAHSA and eagerly anticipate the innovative and transformative impact Ryan will bring in the initial phases of the startup. It is an honor to have partnered with LACAHSA’s leadership and to witness this historic initiative unfold,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy. “Ryan’s proven track record of driving projects and change to demonstrable results partnered with his entrepreneurial spirit will be invaluable as he helps LACAHSA achieve its ambitious start-up goals of establishing an agile, innovative, and sustainable organization.”
LACAHSA was created in 2022 through state legislation (SB679) sponsored by then-California Senator Sydney Kamlager. LACAHSA is modeled after similar initiatives across the globe to scale up housing production and preservation from New York, San Francisco, and Singapore.
About the Partners
Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency
The L.A. County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency was created to make housing more affordable, help people stay in their homes, and increase housing options for people experiencing homelessness. It is a regional organization focused on all of L.A. County with leaders from across the county, and a single CEO, is accountable enough to cut through red tape so we can do more than ever before. In Q4 2024, LACAHSA will begin its search for a permanent CEO, continuing its partnership with KEES. To learn more, please visit: www.lacahsa.gov.
KEES
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
KEES provides services to strengthen leadership teams through Executive Search, Board Coaching, Leadership Development, Human Resources Consulting, Specialty/Interim staffing, and Philanthropy/Fundraising, all with a focus on DEIB and equity lenses. Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES has partnered with housing-focused missions in 40 states for over 25 years. We believe housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. From emergency housing, shelter, supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing solutions, and supportive services related to housing and affordability, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics. KEES also partners with clients who provide valuable wrap-around services such as food and nourishment, transportation, employment, and education.
# # #
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
LACAHSA MEDIA CONTACT facilitated through Ocean & Mountain:
Jen Wheeler, jen@oceanmo.com
Marie Condron, marie@oceanmo.com
Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency selects KEES to lead its Interim CEO and Chief Executive Officer Search Efforts
In a significant step towards advancing its strategic goals of enhancing housing affordability, preventing homelessness, and expanding housing options, Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) proudly announces the selection of Kistner Eddy Executive Search (KEES) as its executive search consulting partner. KEES will work alongside LACAHSA leadership in spearheading the Spring 2024 Interim CEO search, followed by the Permanent CEO search anticipated to begin in November 2024. Leading the search efforts at the executive search firm, specializing in both the nonprofit and public sectors, will include the KEES team of President and CEO Heather Eddy, Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong, and Project Manager Megan Taylor.
Los Angeles County, the largest country in the United States, is facing the most significant housing crisis in the region’s history, as hundreds of thousands of residents experience housing instability, are at risk of homelessness and being pushed out of their communities. The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) was born out of the fundamental belief that housing is a human right, regardless of age, race, class, disability, and gender.
In an effort to develop and enhance tools to unlock investment and scale for housing production and preservation of existing affordable housing, and to prevent people from falling into homelessness, a coalition of elected leaders, community organizations, and housing and homelessness experts partnered with multiple stakeholders to pass Senate Bill (SB) 679, which was subsequently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and officially created LACAHSA. As an independent government agency that has jurisdiction within the County of Los Angeles and is governed by a board composed of 21-voting members and one non-voting member, the long-term vision of the leadership is driving innovative solutions to ensure access to housing all Angelenos can afford.
LACAHSA selected KEES after reviewing several competitive proposals. This choice is a testament to KEES’s commitment to excellence and its ability to align with the goals of LACAHSA. The Interim CEO search is already underway, paving the way for a seamless transition as LACAHSA positions itself for long-term success. The subsequent CEO search slated for a November 2024 timeline, is poised to attract a diverse and talented pool of candidates committed to advancing affordable housing initiatives and making a difference in the lives of residents throughout Los Angeles County.
“I am proud to chair this effort and excited KEES was selected,” said Victor Sanchez, City of Bellflower Council Member and member of the LACAHSA Board. “Working with the LACAHSA Executive Board, chaired by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, we wanted a firm as innovative as we see the initiative. KEES offers a distinctive perspective and extensive expertise in housing and homelessness, and we’re eager to build on our momentum. Our team is committed to identifying candidates who will advocate for affordable housing solutions and contribute to positive community change.”
“We are honored to work in partnership with the LACAHSA Board to advance the important work to ensure every resident in LA County has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home,” said KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy.
Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and questions concerning this dual search may be addressed to inquiries@kees2success.com.
About the Partners
Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency
The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) was created to make housing more affordable, help people stay in their homes, and increase housing options for people experiencing homelessness. It is a regional organization focused on all of L.A. County and by having leaders from across the county, and a single CEO, it is accountable enough to cut through red tape so we can do more than ever before. To learn more, please visit: www.lacahsa.gov
KEES
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit KEES. KEES provides services to strengthen leadership teams through Executive Search, Board Coaching, Leadership Development, Human Resources Consulting, Specialty/Interim staffing, and Philanthropy/Fundraising, all with a focus on DEIB and equity lenses. Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES has partnered with housing-focused missions in 40 states for over 25 years. We believe housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. From emergency housing, shelter, supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing needs, and supportive services related to housing and affordability, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics. KEES also partners with clients who provide valuable wrap-around services such as food, transportation, employment, and education.
# # #
LACAHSA MEDIA CONTACT:
Lenee Richards (Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell), LRichards@bos.lacounty.gov
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Announces Nashika Stanbro as its first DEI Director with support from KEES
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission and KEES are pleased to announce the appointment of Nashika Stanbro as its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Director.
As a member of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the executive director, Stanbro will cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion as foundational principles across the Commission and provide key leadership in implementing anti-racist strategies. Leading the search efforts were Executive Search Manager Yoo-Jin Hong and Project Manager Randi Blasutti of KEES.
Stanbro brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record as a DEI professional and racial equity champion. Most recently, Stanbro was Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Community Transit in Snohomish County, developing DEI strategies and initiatives in support of more than 800 employees. Before stepping into this inaugural DEI position at Community Transit, she served as a crisis communication and media relations specialist.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nashika as our first DEI Director at this crucial juncture for the Commission,” said Steve Walker, executive director of the Housing Finance Commission. “She comes to us at just the right time with the expertise and leadership we need to build on the strong foundation of our Racial Equity Strategic Plan and further our transformation into an anti-racist organization.”
Stanbro says, “The mission of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission resonates with me on a deep level. Increasing housing access and affordability, and expanding community services are vital in developing self-sustaining communities. The Commission’s work aligns with my core value of making a difference in the lives of others, and I am beyond excited to join the team.”
Stanbro holds degrees in Integrated Strategic Communications from Everett Community College and Washington State University. She has also completed extensive professional studies and leadership training focused on DEI, racial equity, and anti-racism.
About the Partners
Washington State Housing Finance Commission
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (the Commission) is a market-driven and self-supporting state agency dedicated to increasing housing access and affordability and to expanding quality community services for the people of Washington. Homelessness and lack of housing affordability are crises that affect many communities across the state. The Commission plays a key role in the solution to these problems by partnering to transform lives, neighborhoods, and communities. For forty years, the Commission has enabled more than 100,000 Washington residents to buy homes and created or preserved more than 110,000 affordable apartments for residents ranging from working families to seniors to the unhoused. To learn more, please visit www.wshfc.org
KEES
KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services, including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and human resources support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.
KEES provides services to strengthen leadership teams through Executive Search, Board Coaching, Leadership Development, Human Resources Consulting, Specialty/Interim staffing, and Philanthropy/Fundraising, all with a focus on DEIB and equity lenses. Focusing its partnerships on organizations propelling social change, KEES has partnered with housing-focused missions for over 25 years. We believe housing is essential for individuals and communities to thrive. From emergency housing, shelter, supportive and transitional housing, to permanent housing and long-term housing needs, and supportive services related to housing and affordability, KEES is committed to ensuring public and nonprofit partners have diverse and dynamic leadership teams and infrastructure to support success. KEES values the role housing plays in the stability of life, work, and social dynamics. KEES also partners with clients who provide valuable wrap-around services such as food, transportation, employment, and education.
# # #
KEES MEDIA CONTACT:
Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com
WASHINGTON STATE HOUSING FINANCE COMMISSION MEDIA CONTACT:
Margret Graham, Margret.Graham@wshfc.org