The Challenge
A highly regarded, established, and essential non-profit and quasi-government housing organization in Central Oregon was seeking their next CEO due to a retirement. The search presented challenges as there were few candidates locally with the necessary expertise and candidates from outside the area would need to relocate to an area with minimal affordable housing options.
The CEO also needed to be comfortable being the public-facing ambassador for the organization that supported multiple, varied jurisdictions, have relationships that would yield more land for development, and have the ability to align and energize a large internal team. They needed to be a strong fit for not only what the organization was facing presently but also have a vision and ability to innovate for the future in a time of great challenge. The need for diplomacy was also paramount, underscoring the fact that the lack of critical housing is a bipartisan issue, affecting both local and state economies.
The Process
Following 15+ intakes with board members, leadership, and staff, Acumen built out a “spider web” of potential candidates from previous search work in affordable and PSH housing in the Pacific Northwest and California. In a matter of a few weeks, we presented a slate of 9 highly qualified candidates for the opportunity, both locally and outside the area. Acumen had to move quickly as multiple candidates were entertaining competing offers.
Following multiple interviews and meet and greets at all levels of the organization, the finalist candidate, a local attorney with compelling expertise in housing/HUD laws, deep roots in Central Oregon, and a passion for the mission, emerged.
Since stepping into the role of CEO, she has made significant progress in advancing affordable housing and ensuring equitable access. With a commitment to community engagement, strategic leadership, and operational sustainability, she has successfully navigated the organization through transformational growth while maintaining a clear focus on its mission.
Key Accomplishments & Organizational Impact
Strategic Growth & Development
The new CEO had an enormous impact in a relatively short period of time. The Board Chair shared that she “brings extensive knowledge of the development landscape and an understanding of Central Oregon’s unique challenges. She also brings experience in building a team and managing a complex organization. She shares our passion for our mission: Fostering dignity through housing. The organization has very high standards, and the board is confident she will maintain them.”
Some of her key accomplishments include:
• Spearheaded the design and development of a new office, securing an offer on an existing building in Redmond.
• Led the organization through a two-year office transition while collaborating with architects to ensure the new space reflects staff and community needs, including a gathering space and a quiet room.
• Successfully launched a new Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) project, with a standing-room-only ribbon-cutting event that underscored community enthusiasm and board satisfaction.
• Advanced a 90-unit affordable housing project in one of her municipalities and secured a potential 6.5-acre development opportunity through her personal network of strategic partners.
Board Development & Community Engagement
• Identified top priorities for board development, focusing on strategic governance and equity-driven decision-making.
• Engaged with a nonprofit media outlet to amplify affordable housing stories, ensuring coverage in editorials across the state to humanize the impact of housing insecurity.
• Strengthened relationships with policymakers, including a State Senator, to advocate for operational sustainability, insurance solutions, and infrastructure investments at the State level.
• Elevated community engagement efforts by making the organization more externally facing, balancing the operational needs of a more introverted leadership team with public-facing initiatives.
Empowering Staff & Expanding Homeownership Programs
• Successfully mentored and empowered staff, leading to internal promotions and recognition, including a third Family Self-Sufficiency employee.
• Oversaw the graduation of 16 individuals from the homeownership program, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to long-term stability for families.
• Fostered a strong internal culture through the Culture Committee, ensuring staff engagement and alignment with organizational values.
Click to review the press release.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Organization
With a strong foundation in place, the CEO remains focused on:
• Expanding housing solutions through strategic land acquisition and development.
• Strengthening policy influence by continuing to engage at the state level on infrastructure and sustainability efforts.
• Deepening community impact by ensuring housing projects reflect the needs of diverse populations, particularly through a Native-focused initiative in Madras.
• Enhancing internal culture with continued staff development and board engagement.
Her leadership continues to propel the organization forward, creating lasting change for individuals and families in need of affordable, equitable housing solutions.
Experience Working with Acumen
The new CEO had prior experience working with search firms and found Acumen particularly effective in facilitating a smooth hiring process.
“Molly & Suzanne set clear expectations regarding the hiring timeline and process. They were well-prepared and highly responsive, understanding key concerns, and ensuring the position aligned with my vision and passion for what I wanted to optimize for in a next opportunity.” ~ Lynne M. Nonprofit/Quasi-Government CEO