HDC MidAtlantic’s Board of Directors has appointed Dana Hanchin as the organization’s President & CEO. Hanchin will succeed current President & CEO Michael R. Carper who is stepping aside in June after a 15-year tenure with the organization. Hanchin will start June 1.
“We were impressed with Dana’s passion for our mission, and her understanding and commitment to affordable housing,” said Michel Gibeault, Chair of HDC MidAtlantic’s Board of Directors “HDC MidAtlantic has a strong reputation throughout the region as a leader in the development and management of affordable housing, and Dana brings the skills and experience necessary to take the organization to the next level.”
Hanchin comes to HDC MidAtlantic from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) of Philadelphia where she served as Deputy Director for the past five years. In that role, she was responsible for overseeing strategic priorities, business development and community development lending.
Hanchin brings more than 20-years experience building and leading affordable housing initiatives and has experience in each of HDC MidAtlantic’s lines of business. Prior to LISC, Hanchin served as the Director of Neighborhood Stabilization at the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority. She also has experience with affordable housing development and property management from her role as a leader at the Women’s Community Revitalization Project.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as HDC MidAtlantic’s next leader,” Hanchin shared. “Safe, affordable housing is a cornerstone for household stability and economic growth. I am inspired to work in partnership with the Board and staff to improve lives and create healthy communities until everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.”
A first-generation college graduate, Hanchin earned her bachelor’s from Kent State University, a master’s in Urban Studies from Temple University and most recently was a Fellow for Leading Change at Drexel University LeBow College of Business. She was born in the Monongahela Valley and spent her formative years in Greensburg, Pa.
HDC MidAtlantic’s Board of Directors began the executive search process in the summer of 2017 in order to evaluate the leadership needs of the organization. HDC MidAtlantic hired Raffa, a consulting and professional services firm whose mission is to be a catalyst for positive, systemic change. Raffa was engaged to identify the leadership skills and experiences needed and to manage the national search for the organization.
Founded in 1971, HDC MidAtlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing quality affordable rental homes for working families, seniors and individuals with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland. HDC MidAtlantic owns, develops and/or manages more than 3,700 affordable apartments by delivering high-quality and secure housing solutions through innovative property management, real estate development and resident services.
HDC MidAtlantic is part of the NeighborWorks network, an affiliation of more than 240 nonprofit organizations located in every state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The NeighborWorks network was founded and is supported by NeighborWorks America, which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities
HDC MidAtlantic is also a member of the Housing Partnership Network, a network of 100 housing and community development organizations that are considered industry leaders.
Every voice matters. At HDC, we are committed to raising up resident voices and opening doors so that residents can actively participate in the democratic process, speak out on issues important to them and their communities, and communicate how policies affect their everyday lives. We believe it is important to make the time and space to listen, and to support resident leaders in effectively using their voices. We support resident advocacy opportunities through our Resident Academy of Leadership & Inspiration, Voter Registration Drives, and holding constituent meetings and tours with elected officials.
Allentown, PA
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Finding a place to live that meets one’s basic needs and budget can feel like a never-ending challenge. The complexity of lower-income families and individuals extend far beyond simply finding a safe, affordable, and welcoming place to call home. At HDC, we are committed to being an ally in speaking to issues, programs, and policies that improve quality of life of our residents. Issues that we know are important to our residents include:
We know we can’t solve the affordable housing challenge alone. We need champions to help change the conversation around what home means and why it matters. We are committed to educating elected officials to understand the needs and challenges of their constituents. We are here to provide solutions that work and offer affordable housing expertise that demonstrates the impact policy decisions have on lower-income families, seniors and those with disabilities. We work closely with and participate in alliances and coalitions to educate and advance shared policy priorities. Our advocacy partners include:
Wendy Smith serves as the Vice President of Property Management, responsible for the overall strategic direction for HDC’s management portfolio and the organization’s largest staff team. Previously, Wendy served as Asset and Operations Manager for a leading real estate firm based in New York City which owned over 11,000 affordable homes. Since 2008, Wendy has held roles in regional level operations for commercial and for-profit housing agencies. Wendy holds a degree in International Studies.
