Staffing Structure

As a new organization, all of Fairfield 08’s staff has been hired within the past three years.

  •  Fairfield 08’s Executive Director, David B. Rich, was hired in January 2006. David’s most recent housing experience was as Executive Director of the Mutual Housing Association (MHA) of South Central Connecticut. In this capacity, David was responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive and aggressive five-year strategic plan of constructing 300 units of affordable housing with over $50 million in financing. He worked developing local and community owned businesses within MHA targeted communities. He expanded staff from 3 to 18 and operating budget from $200,000 to $1.6 million in three years and secured $10 million in development funds.
  • Fairfield 08’s Senior Asset Manager, Elisabeth Youngerman, has over 20 years experience as an executive, legal council and consultant in the affordable housing industry. She is currently a senior consultant with the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development as is seconded to Fairfield 08 on a half-time basis as our Senior Asset Manager.
  •  Fairfield 08’s Construction & Project Manager, Richard L. Neller, came on board in July 2006; Rick is responsible for managing Fairfield 08’s project construction. His previous professional experience includes a variety of responsibilities including project management, construction management, design development, site acquisition, and housing administration.

 

It is important to note that Fairfield 08 also works with member nonprofit staff on the development of the projects they sponsor.  Member Organizations by agreement provide 10% of their Executive Director and 20% FTE of senior staff to Fairfield 08 projects.  In fact, Fairfield 08 receives far more in staff resources from all our member organizations.  The most critical role these staff play are to:

  • Work with local community stakeholders to build support for a project;
  • Coordinate planning and zoning approvals;
  • Coordinate the supportive services for the project and develop the project services budget;
  • Handle project accounting (the project is on the member nonprofit’s balance sheet);
  • Assist in tenant screening and lease-up; and
  • Assist in fundraising, public relations and administration.