(March 15, 2022) – EAH Housing, an affordable housing nonprofit organization, announced today that Karen Seddon has been hired as the new regional vice president of Hawai’i. She brings decades of real estate development and affordable housing experience to the position, including serving five years as the executive director for Hawaii Housing and Finance Development Corporation (HHFDC), the state agency that develops and finances affordable housing in Hawai’i.
“Karen’s expertise and deep understanding of real estate development and affordable housing in Hawai’i will help us continue our growth and expansion throughout the islands, bringing affordable housing to a state that is in dire need of it,” said Laura Hall, president and chief executive officer at EAH Housing. “We are excited to welcome Karen to EAH Housing and look forward to having her build upon the momentum established by Kevin Carney and the team.” Mr. Carney is retiring after 25 years with the organization.
As the regional vice president of real estate development in Hawai’i, Ms. Seddon will be responsible for the new business pipeline, supervising its staff, and overseeing a $125 million pipeline of new construction and renovation of affordable housing apartment developments.
“It’s an exciting time to join EAH Housing,” said Seddon. “The organization is growing rapidly in Hawai’i and has been involved with some of the most innovative affordable developments. I am looking forward to helping increase the production and preservation of quality affordable housing throughout our state.”
Most recently, she was with The Michaels Organization in the positions of vice president and regional vice president in the Hawai’i Region. Ms. Seddon also held management positions at several private sector companies focusing on development, entitlement, and construction of various projects, including mixed-use, single-family, and multifamily housing.
“Karen’s leadership and industry experience will be invaluable as we enter a new phase of growth for the organization,” said Welton Jordan, chief real estate development officer at EAH Housing. “Having both public and private sector experience in Hawaii gives her a unique insight and perspective which will benefit all of us.”
Ms. Seddon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in construction engineering management from Oregon State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of Lambda Alpha International (LAI) Land Economics Society and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).
About EAH Housing
Established in 1968, EAH Housing is one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the western United States. EAH develops low-income multifamily housing, manages more than 222 properties in 78 municipalities in California and Hawai’i, and plays a leadership role in local, regional, and national housing advocacy efforts.
