CHAPA's Executive Director, Aaron Gornstein, Named Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development - December 22, 2011

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department
Office of Housing and Economic Development
Press Release
Contact: Matt Kitsos (HED) – 617-788-3623                             

AARON GORNSTEIN SELECTED AS UNDERSECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

BOSTON – December 22, 2011 – Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki today announced the selection of Aaron Gornstein as the new Undersecretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development, who brings decades of community housing experience to the Administration after serving as the executive director of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA).

“Aaron’s experience on the front lines of advocating for affordable housing and community development is a welcome addition,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “His leadership and experience will move forward our mission of strengthening neighborhoods and improving the quality of life of Massachusetts residents.”

“With years of experience in addressing housing and homelessness in Massachusetts, Aaron will be a valuable leader as our Administration continues to invest in affordable housing, deliver critical services to those most in need, and build stronger neighborhoods across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.

“The Department of Housing and Community Development delivers a wide variety of important services, ranging from heating oil assistance to affordable housing assistance,” said Secretary Bialecki. “We are pleased to have Aaron join our team as we continue to provide these vital services.”

“I look forward to working for the Patrick-Murray Administration to advance a robust affordable housing and community development agenda,” Gornstein said. “I am eager to help improve the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents across the state and to assist in the revitalization of communities.”

Gornstein has been the Executive Director of CHAPA since 1990, leading the private, non-profit research and advocacy group working on affordable housing and community development issues throughout the Commonwealth. Under Gornstein’s leadership, CHAPA has advocated for major state and federal legislation for affordable housing and community development programs, has seen membership increase from 250 members to 1,600 and has increased its annual budget from $350,000 to $3 million, and has initiated programs like a housing registry for people with disabilities and a certification program for non-profit homebuyer counseling agencies.

Gornstein has won numerous awards from both local and national organizations, and is recognized as a national leader on affordable housing. Before working at CHAPA, Gornstein was Associate Planner for the City of Cambridge and a Housing Services Coordinator for Tri-City Community Action Program in Malden. Gornstein has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Masters of Arts in urban and environmental policy from Tufts. He lives in Newton.