Housing Works director Tom Kemper retiring
Tom Kemper, executive director of Housing Works, has announced his retirement as of March, after 25 years of work with the affordable housing agency.
Kemper first worked with Housing Works, then known as the Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority, as a partner in the development of the Ariel Glen Apartments in Bend in 1993.
After partnering with and consulting for Housing Works on numerous developments, including Eastlake Village and Putnam Pointe, Kemper was a natural fit for the executive director position when Cyndy Cook retired in 2013. Under Kemper’s leadership, the number of low-income families served by Housing Works has increased through the development of over 400 units of affordable housing.
Kemper came to Housing Works with a background in real estate investment, finance, tax law and multifamily affordable developments. During Kemper’s tenure at Housing Works as a consultant and then as executive director, he has mentored a highly capable staff and is confident that Housing Works will continue to be a leader in the development of affordable housing in Central Oregon.
“I have loved my time working with the team at Housing Works and the relentless pursuit of our organization’s mission to foster dignity through housing,” shares Kemper. “I have confidence in the management and staff and look forward to a smooth transition. I hope to continue to be a resource for the organization and I’m also looking forward to more time with my wife, kids and grandchildren.”
The Housing Works Board of Commissioners has engaged a recruiter to carry out a national search to find the right person to fill the vacancy. Michael Hinton, Board Chair noted: “The strong management team in place at Housing Works will create a smooth transition for the new executive director.”
The Board of Commissioners is very involved in steering the organization into the future. “Our experiences working with Tom Kemper will help us to pick the right replacement. We recognize the qualities of experience and leadership that Tom possesses, and we desire to fill his position with someone as equally capable, if not more so,” stated Dennis Pahlisch, Housing Works Commissioner.
Housing Works is the leading affordable housing provider in Central Oregon, serving Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. Since 1977, Housing Works has helped provide housing services to thousands of low-income families as they work to move above the poverty line. Housing Works fulfills its mission, “Fostering Dignity through Housing,” through a variety of housing programs and affiliated Families Forward, HomeQuest and Family Self-Sufficiency programs. Currently, Housing Works serves approximately 2,000 households through affordable housing partnerships, grant funding and federal contracts.
