Council will provide strategic guidance and resources to support the nonprofit’s mission of building sustainable, healthy and diverse communities
SAN RAFAEL, C.A. (Nov. 16, 2022) — Today, EAH Housing, one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the Western United States, announced the launch of its California Advisory Council, a dedicated group of like-minded professionals who, together with EAH Housing staff, will support the organization’s efforts to expand the pipeline of quality affordable housing units statewide.
“As California grapples with the housing crisis, it’s imperative that we continue to build affordable housing that improves the lives of the residents we serve,” said Laura Hall, President and CEO of EAH Housing. “The Advisory Council will provide our organization with strategic input and resources, enabling us to make a tangible difference in our collective efforts across the State.”
The Advisory Council will contribute expertise to EAH Housing and leverage its members’ relationships with key decision makers and community leaders to extend the organization’s capacity to expand the range of affordable housing opportunities available in California.
These efforts will include establishing connections to stimulate philanthropic support or business growth, such as with private developers looking to fill an inclusionary housing requirement; elected officials offering political support for EAH Housing communities; and finance professionals or cities looking to shepherd affordable housing development.
The Advisory Council is comprised of affordable housing experts including:
- Chan U Lee, President & CEO of Devine and Gong, Inc; Community Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Board; Advisory Boards for Oakland Lacrosse, the Kelsey, and Oakland Roots.
- Deborah Matthews, Berkeley-based real estate broker with more than 30 years of experience; former Chair of the Zoning Adjustment Board, Chair of the Housing Commission and Vice Chair of Berkeley’s Planning Commission; Board of Directors for Merritt College and Co-Founder of South Berkeley Now! community housing organization.
- Walker Wells, an industry-leading expert in sustainability, green building, and renewable energy; lecturer in green urbanism and green development at the Claremont Colleges and the UCLA Urban Planning Program.
- Laura Wilder, a partner in the Sacramento office of CohnReznick and a member of the firm’s Tax, Not-for-Profit and Education Industry practices; Treasurer on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento.
- Mohammad Hakimi, AIA, President and CEO of J.H. Fitzmaurice, Inc.; over 40 years of experience in all aspects of construction with expertise in residential projects.
- Emily Cadik, CEO of Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC); former Senior Director of Public Policy at Enterprise Community Partners and a Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The California Advisory Council follows in the footsteps of EAH Housing’s Hawai’i Advisory Council), established in 2012, which led to the successful implementation of many affordable housing initiatives across the state.
For further information about EAH Housing, please visit www.eahhousing.org
About EAH Housing
EAH Housing is a nonprofit corporation founded with the belief that attractive affordable rental housing is the cornerstone to sustainable, living communities. Established in 1968, EAH Housing has become one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the Western United States. With a staff of over 750, EAH develops affordable housing, manages 240 properties in California and Hawai‘i, and plays a leadership role in local, regional, and national housing advocacy efforts. The mission of EAH Housing is to expand the range of opportunities for all by developing, managing, and promoting quality affordable housing and diverse communities.
Starting from grass-roots origins in response to the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., EAH Housing now serves over 25,000 low-income families, seniors, veterans, formerly unhoused individuals, people with special needs, transitional age youth (TAY), artists, farmworkers, and students. Combining award-winning design, innovative on-site services, and a commitment to people, EAH reflects the distinctive personality of each community.
