After 30 years as CEO and Executive Director of Community Housing Innovations (CHI) Alexander Roberts will step down from those positions, but will remain on the CHI Board and work on strategic initiatives and advocacy to bring more resources to the agency. CHI is the largest provider of emergency housing on Long Island and one of the largest in Orange, Dutchess and Westchester counties. It also has provided more than $17 million in New York state down payment assistance and counseling to 750 first-time homebuyers in Westchester and on Long Island.
Roberts started CHI in 1991 out of his house in Rye Brook and guided the nonprofit to its current position with 300 employees and a budget of $32 million.
After a two-month search, CHI Board Chair Steve Gifford announced that the board has selected Ronald Rosado Abad of Peekskill to lead the agency, starting March 29.
“Alec Roberts has been a giant in the field of suburban homelessness and affordable housing since founding the agency and his shoes will be difficult to fill,” said Gifford. “However, we are delighted to welcome Ron Abad, who brings a unique blend of experience and mission to the role.”
Abad is currently serving as the senior vice president for Acacia Network Housing, one of New York City”™s largest providers of homeless services. Prior to that he served as the chief operating officer of Urban Pathways. He has also had extensive experience in government, serving as assistant commissioner of the New York City Department of Homeless Services from 2008-2015. He earned his bachelor”™s degree from Howard University and a law degree from Boston College.
