We write to share important news about a leadership transition at Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA). After 13 years of dedicated service to CHAPA, including nine years as our Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Heller will be stepping down from her role to become the next Executive Director of Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP).
During Rachel’s tenure, CHAPA has grown stronger as a leading voice and convener for the affordable housing and community development field. Under her leadership, CHAPA expanded its advocacy to advance equitable housing opportunities, built new partnerships with diverse stakeholders statewide, and strengthened the organization’s commitment to ensuring affordable housing and choice in every community. While we will deeply miss Rachel’s vision, energy, and steadfast leadership, we are thrilled that she will continue to shape the future of affordable housing in Massachusetts through her new role at MHP.
“On behalf of CHAPA and key Massachusetts housing stakeholders, we are deeply grateful for Rachel’s impactful leadership over the last thirteen years. She both stewarded and expanded CHAPA’s important legacy of advocacy for safe, affordable, and welcoming homes statewide so everyone has a place to call home in the communities they choose,” said Leslie Reid, CHAPA President and Chief of Investment Programs at Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. “We are thrilled that she will continue to advance important initiatives toward greater affordable housing access and opportunity for all residents as Executive Director at Massachusetts Housing Partnership.”
CHAPA’s Board of Directors will soon begin a search process for our next CEO. Please stay tuned for the job posting next week. Rachel will continue as CHAPA CEO’s until the last week of February, when our Chief Operating Officer, Maritza Crossen, will step in as Interim CEO. In the meantime, please join us in congratulating Rachel on this exciting new chapter and in celebrating her many contributions to CHAPA and the affordable housing field.
We have so many exciting ongoing initiatives at CHAPA, and we will continue to move full steam ahead towards our strategic goals. Please join us at the upcoming federal forum and the Housing Policy Action Center’s research webinar. Continue to advocate with us for state legislation and budget priorities that further affordable housing opportunity, equity, and access. Our brand new Massachusetts Housing Leadership Academy has kicked off with its first cohort of community leaders dedicated to creating thriving communities, and we can’t wait to share more updates with you as this program progresses.