Saint Mary’s Communities, Inc. (SMCI), a leading provider of clean, safe, and affordable housing for seniors, today announced the appointment of Rosa Estrada as its new Executive Director. Ms. Estrada, an accomplished leader with over two decades of progressive experience in urban planning, placemaking, and mission-driven affordable housing development, will succeed retiring Executive Director John Spencer.
“I am honored to lead SMCI towards growth, innovation, and impact,” said Ms. Estrada. “My journey, which began as a community organizer in Chicago and led to national policy work with HUD and executive positions across the housing sector, has prepared me for this new chapter. I look forward to working with our dedicated Board and property management team to build on the strong foundation established, creating stronger mission awareness, expanding our portfolio, and a brighter future for the seniors we serve.”
Ms. Estrada’s extensive background includes serving most recently as Regional Vice President of Development for the Mid-Atlantic Region and Puerto Rico for The Michaels Organization (TMO), where her areas of expertise included real estate finance and development, complex large multi-phase mixed-use developments, transit-oriented development, and partnership development.
Prior to TMO, she spent five years with local non-profit Wesley Housing, serving as Director of Real Estate Development, overseeing the development and closing of 350 units worth $133 million. As a private developer and consultant, Ms. Estrada has underwritten, financed, and/or developed properties in diverse geographic areas including Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Puerto Rico. She is known for her proficiency in using transformative tools like RAD, HOPE VI, NSP, Choice Neighborhoods, Mixed-Finance, LIHTC, NMTC, and AHP.
Her public service experience includes her role as the former Assistant Commissioner for Development for Baltimore Housing and as the former Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Public Housing Investments, where she was part of the groundbreaking team of professionals for HUD’s HOPE VI program. Ms. Estrada graduated Magna Cum Laude from DePaul University and holds a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
The Saint Mary’s Communities, Inc. Board of Directors is eager to leverage Ms. Estrada’s extensive experience to further the organization’s mission. “The Saint Mary’s Board is very excited for Rosa to join the team as executive director. Rosa’s extensive development experience will guide the organization as we seek to expand our impact by developing more high-quality, affordable housing,” said Kevin B.W. White, Board President.
Saint Mary’s Communities, Inc. (SMCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing clean, safe, and affordable housing for seniors in the greater community. Through dedicated service and long-term commitment, SMCI aims to create a supportive environment for its residents while strengthening its mission awareness and expanding its reach.