Press Release
Contact: Jeffrey Nelson, CommonBond Communities, 651-290-6201
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CommonBond Communities Announces New CEO
August 20, 2014 (St. Paul) - CommonBond Communities announced
today the hiring of the organization’s third CEO in forty-three years.
Deidre Schmidt, currently principal owner of One Roof Global
Consulting, will take over the leadership role beginning in early
October. Ms. Schmidt brings with her over twenty years of experience
in affordable housing on a global scale with emphasis on increasing
quality, access and affordability of housing for people around the world.
“I am thrilled to be joining CommonBond Communities,” stated Ms.
Schmidt. “The Board and staff, as well as individual and institutional
supporters, have focused both on the organization’s capacity to deliver
on its mission and the strength of enterprise. That combination is critical
for organizations that want to continue to provide housing and critical services in our changing
environment.”
Ms. Schmidt’s career includes significant leadership roles with Brighton Development
Corporation, the National Equity Fund, Artspace Project, Inc. and the Affordable Housing
Institute in Boston, MA. She is a lecturer on Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University and
in her most recent role as professional consultant has helped global entities develop policies
and strategies regarding housing development & management, rental subsidies, urban
planning, and risk assessment.
Tom Jasper, Chairman of the Board of CommonBond, stated: “CommonBond is poised as a
regional and national leader with a great reputation in the affordable housing industry. Our
board of directors is very excited to have Deidre Schmidt as CommonBond’s new president and
chief executive officer. Ms. Schmidt has a prolific career bringing together individuals,
organizations, and corporations to develop solutions regarding affordable housing. In addition,
she is highly regarded for her industry expertise both locally and globally. Ms. Schmidt is the
perfect choice at this unique time in the industry to steward CommonBond’s significant legacy of
service to the regional community.”
Over the past seven years, CommonBond has expanded its work in the Upper Midwest
significantly. CommonBond is now one of the top 50 affordable housing developers in the nation
and has increased the size of its 43-year-old housing portfolio by 46% in seven years. Ms.
Schmidt will oversee CommonBond’s recently completed three-year strategic plan and brings
with her significant relationships with major public and private, philanthropic, bilateral, and
multilateral organizations locally as well as nationally.
“It is a profound honor and responsibility to be joining CommonBond Communities,” stated Ms.
Schmidt. “I’ve watched, and even formally studied, CommonBond my whole career. In my view,
the organization has never been stronger and better positioned for the changes and challenges
ahead.”
Ms. Schmidt will assume her role as CEO on October 6th.
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About CommonBond Communities
CommonBond Communities mission is to build stable homes, strong futures, and vibrant
communities. As the largest nonprofit provider of affordable homes in the Upper Midwest,
CommonBond has been building and sustaining homes with services to families, seniors, and
individuals with disabilities since 1971. CommonBond combines affordable housing with
Advantage Services with the goal of helping residents achieve stability, advancement, and
independence.
CommonBond Communities 1080 Montreal Avenue St. Paul MN 55116 651.291.1750