Minnesota Housing Partnership (MHP), one of the nation’s leading affordable housing support organizations, announced today that it has hired Anne Mavity as new executive director.

Mavity brings 30 years of experience in affordable housing, capacity building and development.  Among her varied experience, she has worked on a Congressional Subcommittee on housing and provided technical assistance and underwriting at the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH).  Most recently she was director of new projects at Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative where she led development of several affordable housing projects in the Twin Cities as well as local and state advocacy efforts.  While at Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, Mavity also organized hundreds of congregational and civic leaders to attend public hearings and help secure unanimous support from the Edina City Council for the city’s first supportive housing development.

In her new role, Mavity will guide MHP as it continues its leadership role in housing and community development in Minnesota and nationally. She will lead MHP focusing on three core areas of work: policy/advocacy, research/communications, and capacity building. She will continue the work to develop services that build on the business core and increase the organization’s impact and financial sustainability.

“As the new executive director of MHP, I will work to sustain and build upon the great work this organization has been doing for the last 30 years,” Mavity said. “Our state is facing enormous housing affordability gaps that are impacting business growth, community stability and families.  We must think and act boldly to address this need.  I plan to build on this foundation to expand the reach and engagement of diverse organizations, stakeholders and systems, to create a strategic and collaborative response to the current housing needs across Minnesota.”

Mavity replaces MHP founder and executive director Chip Halbach, who is retiring after leading MHP for 30 years. Halbach started MHP in 1987 to create a statewide voice and support organization for affordable housing development.

“While it is hard to leave an organization that has been such a significant part of my life, I feel a foundation has been laid that will enable MHP to advance equitable communities with homes for all through the years ahead,” Halbach said. “Anne’s leadership and relationships in the affordable housing sector will complement the seasoned and accomplished board and staff and the many terrific partnerships we have in Minnesota and nationally.”

Under Halbach’s leadership, MHP became a respected advocacy, community development, and housing communications leader. Halbach and his staff’s advocacy efforts established a property tax break for affordable rentals and helped secure funds for a national housing trust.

“Chip’s leadership was evident in both his detailed understanding of a highly technical, complex field — and his capacity to convey that expertise in a way that fosters consensus and inspires people to coalesce around an issue,” Paul Sween, managing partner at Dominium and chair of the MHP board said. “These strengths have proven to be a powerful combination throughout Chip’s career — and have positioned MHP for a bright future. Thanks to his leadership and vision, MHP is more relevant than ever and I am excited to welcome Anne, who will bring new energy to our critical work while also building on Chip’s incredible legacy.”

Halbach’s last day was September 27, 2017. Mavity started her new role on September 28, 2017.