WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - December 17, 2014) - Paul Weech, a long-time leader in the housing and community development field, was named president and CEO of NeighborWorks America today by the organization's board of directors. Chuck Wehrwein, acting president and CEO, will return to his position as chief operating officer.
"NeighborWorks America is fortunate to be able to turn to a seasoned executive like Paul who has a real passion for community development and sustainable housing," said Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry, chair of the NeighborWorks America board. "Paul brings extraordinary experience and talent with him to this new job, and I look forward to working with him in his new role."
Weech joins NeighborWorks America from the Housing Partnership Network, where he served as executive vice president for policy and external affairs. At HPN, Weech worked with leaders from 100 nonprofit housing and community development organizations to create a new vision for housing policy and practice.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead and work with the housing and community development professionals at NeighborWorks America and in the network of nonprofits it supports," Weech said. "I am excited to be able to continue my work with the individuals and organizations who have committed themselves to creating better opportunities for the people and communities they serve."
Weech has served as chief of staff at the U.S. Small Business Administration; staff director for the Housing Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; and senior analyst for housing and credit for the Senate Budget Committee. He also worked in a variety of mission-related roles in Fannie Mae's National Community Lending Center and Office of Corporate Strategy. Weech also worked with the Stewards of Affordable Housing for the Future in a senior policy role.
"Stable and affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities," Weech said. "This is true in periods of economic uncertainty as well as in periods of economic growth and resilience. The work of NeighborWorks America and the NeighborWorks network to make homeownership and rental homes available and affordable for families, while engaging residents and training community development professionals, is vitally important to the fabric of our society. I am grateful to the NeighborWorks board for asking me to be part of that work."
Weech will begin his new position on Jan. 20.
"I would like to thank Chuck Wehrwein who has served as acting president and CEO during this transition period," Curry said. "Chuck will return to his position as chief operating officer and member of the executive leadership team at NeighborWorks America. His steady hand and thoughtful leadership helped NeighborWorks America continue to deliver on the promise of home ownership and community development this year."
A downloadable photo and full bio of Weech is available at http://NeighborWorks.org/about-us/CEO
About NeighborWorks America
For more than 35 years, NeighborWorks America has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $22.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2014/12/17/11G028768/Images/Paul_Weech_hi_res-915019958640.jpg
Contact Information:
Contact:
Douglas Robinson
202-760-4062
drobinson@nw.org
