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National Neighborworks at the Capitol

Meet The Board Part 3

Meet The Board Part 3

Here's part 3 of our Meet the National NeighborWorks Association Board series!

Our board of directors is comprised of 26 NeighborWorks organizations' leaders with representation from all 4 regions associated with NeighborWorks America.  Their commitment to our organization, to their colleagues, and to their communities exemplifies what it takes to be a leader in a network of excellence.

This week you'll get a better understanding of the folks serving on the NNA Board of Directors.

Here are some fast facts about these leaders:

 

Michael Monte of Champlain Housing Trust

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

NeighborWorks funding provides critical resource for us and to other NeighborWorks organizations in Vermont. This is our way, my way, to give back and insure it remains.

What do you value most as a member of NNA?

It is great to get to know other members and leaders and to learn from their work.

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

In Vermont, we have a close relationship with our congressional delegation, being that it is only three members. I personally have a very close relationship with the members of our current delegation as well, having known or worked with each them for nearly 40 years. So my stories are interesting, and will not be repeated here…

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

Strength matters

What is your dream vacation and why?

Besides a trip to Lisbon/Marrakesh/Sicily (which has been on hold for a couple of years now), my dream would be to rent or buy a Vespa in Italy and tour its entire length.

 

Dana Hanchin of HDC MidAtlantic

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

Serving on NNA Board of Directors allows me a direct voice in advocating for NeighborWorks members needs, specifically representing PA NW members and influencing strategy for policy action and increased funding.

What do you value most as a member of NNA?

I value the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of NW members and ability to have direct access to NW leadership and elected officials.

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

My interesting story of a Hill visit is really about how much fun my PA NW members we have collectively advocating and sharing our impact. Pro tip - wear comfortable shoes, breathable fabric, and pack snacks.

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

Never get comfortable with what you think you will always have; NW America is an incredible resource and allows us to innovate, learn and increase our impact. Let's do the hard work and show up - express our gratitude, share the impact, and strive to do more.

What is your dream vacation and why?

A few hours on the bike, a few hours on the beach and a few hours at the bar. (Repeat for 7 days)

 

Amy Schaftlein of United Housing 

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

I wanted to join my peers and advocate for affordable housing resources at the federal level.

What do you value most as a member of NNA?

Meeting other NWOs, sharing ideas and strategies on policy outreach. Lou's emails.

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

Last visit to DC we sat down with our Senator for 30 whole minutes! We discussed NW of course, but also jobs and the important role the housing industry plays in creating, retaining and supporting jobs and families. Housing is truly nonpartisan.

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

NeighborWorks America can open up new opportunities for one to learn from others at the top of their field - joining them at training institutes and enrolling in Achieving Excellence. This can be game-changing for your organization.

What is your dream vacation and why?

Well, I got to see Kraftwerk play a show in Croatia at their roman colosseum in Pula. That was pretty great. Anywhere with great architecture, good music, and food and I'm set.

 

Kevin O'Connor of RUPCO

What interested you in serving on the NNA Board of Directors?

The opportunity to spend time with my peers and to help to raise up the voice of the network with NWA. I very much respect NNA's work over the years, especially with advocacy and putting the NeighborWorks story in front of Congress and leveraging larger appropriations for the network.

What do you value most as a member of NNA?

Doing our part, in concert with others to be a leading network of practitioners in the field of housing and community development.

As an advocate on the federal level, tell us an interesting story of a Hill visit or local with your Congressperson/Senator/or their staff.

As part of a large delegation from New York, Senator Schumer most meets with us and he has a unique way of turning the conversation and admonishing us to "get things done!"

As an advocate for our members to NeighborWorks, what is one thing about NeighborWorks America you would want to share with your peers?

NWA has been a real leader in the work of Race, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion through the years, commencing for me back in the late 90's with Jay Otis Smith speaking at our National Executive gatherings. Jay Otis was the first professional consultant that we brought back to our agency - Hudson River Housing at the time - to train staff in diversity work. NWA has continued to bring resource, practice and attention to this issue throughout the years.

What is your dream vacation and why?

Well, I'm heading to Ireland for the first time this September. I am taking my sister for her 70th birthday and it is a first time visiting Ireland for the both of us!