Archive: Around Town

After receiving many qualified applicants, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services' (INHS) Board of Directors completed its search for a new Executive Director and selected Johanna Anderson. Paul Mazzarella retires at the end of the year after leading INHS for 27 years. INHS is a 40 year-old not-for-profit corporation that is engaged in real estate development, property management, education, and lending. It seeks to expand housing opportunities for people with modest incomes.

INHS Board President Michael Cannon states: "Johanna Anderson brings a wealth of experience and energy to INHS. She has a strong background in both housing and with CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions). The Board looks forward to working with Johanna going forward."

Anderson has a MBA in non-profit management and holds nationally-recognized certifications in homeownership programs and housing development finance. She currently serves on statewide boards and national committees dedicated to economic empowerment. Her previous work in affordable housing development, lending, and financial counseling services served both rural and urban populations.

Most recently Anderson has served as Chief Credit Officer at Home HeadQuarters, Inc., a NeighborWorks America® affiliate in Syracuse. Prior to that she was the Director of Community Development for Four Directions Development Corporation, serving Native Americans in rural Maine.

The Executive Director search started a year ago, and was led by Ann Silverman Consulting and a search committee comprised of three staff members, three board members, and three community members: Ducson Nguyen from Common Council, Schelley Michell-Nunn, Director of Human Resources at City of Ithaca, and Jean McPheeters, former President of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce.

Anderson is excited about establishing roots in the Ithaca community and is looking forward to continuing strong relationships with INHS's local, state, and national partners. "Paul Mazzarella has guided INHS to its current position of strength by embracing its core values of diversity, equity, and sustainability. It is a great privilege to join this dedicated Board and Staff as we work together to benefit the communities we serve."

Cannon goes on to say: "Paul Mazzarella has served the agency with integrity and a keen strategic eye, shaping INHS to what it is today. We look forward to an orderly transition by the end of 2017."

v13i31