MEDIA RELEASE
August 8, 2021

THE MAJORITY OF SAN DIEGO HOUSING FEDERATION’S LEADERSHIP IS FEMALE
Women take charge as new Board Chair and Chief Operating Officer

 SAN DIEGO, CA - The San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) was founded in 1990 by a dozen community leaders and advocates, hiring the first executive director in 1993 and growing to staff of nine by 2020. In May a new chief operating officer was hired, the first in the organization’s history, and in July the board’s first Native American female board chair was sworn in.

 Rebecca Louie, vice president and chief operating officer with Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation, has been on the SDHF board for several years. She is the board’s first Native American female board chair. 

 “I’ve been able to see firsthand the amazing education and advocacy work that SDHF does. As chair I hope to help facilitate discussions with my smart and talented fellow board members and other industry experts so that we can successfully work together to get much needed affordable housing built in the region,” said Louie.

 Carol Hazen joined the SDHF staff as chief operating officer to focus on fundraising, development, membership, events, and a new workforce initiative. Hazen brings years of experience in nonprofits and is a recent graduate of LEAD San Diego’s Impact program.

 “The staff here is a talented group with the perfect blend of passion and experience,” said Hazen, “I’m excited to be on this team and leading the Housing Federation into its next chapter as a voice for affordable housing.”

 SDHF’s executive team alongside president and chief executive officer Stephen Russell is all female with Laura Nunn, chief of policy of programs; and Amanda Nelson, director of communications. Nelson is the organization’s first Black female on the executive team.

 Together the diverse team and board work to advocate for and educate their members through programming, leadership development, and policy recommendations.

San Diego Housing Federation

The San Diego Housing Federation is the region’s voice for affordable housing. SDHF is committed to increasing the supply of housing for San Diego’s most vulnerable families, seniors, veterans, and those living with disabilities. For more information visit, housingsandiego.org.

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