Approximately 175 members attended the Champlain Housing Trust’s Annual Meeting Saturday, where three local affordable housing leaders were recognized for their many contributions to creating and sustaining affordable housing in communities throughout northwestern Vermont. Also recognized were four staff for reaching milestones in their service to CHT, including CEO Brenda Torpy, who was saluted for leading the organization for twenty years.
Retired Burlington attorney Neil Mickenberg was presented with the Tim McKenzie Award for Outstanding Contributions to Perpetually Affordable Housing. The award, named after the organization’s first director, was awarded for Mickenberg’s long-term commitment to the Housing Trust’s mission, first as an attorney for the two founding organizations that merged to former CHT, then as a leader of a State established commission to examine the effectiveness of the affordable housing delivery system.
Charlotte resident Kathy Luce was presented the Carole Pack Volunteer of the Year Award for her years of service to CHT on the Community Relations and the Property and Asset Management committees. A former Board member (1999-2006), Luce has continued to be engaged in the organization and to share her considerable affordable housing expertise.
Jodi Whalen, of Burlington, was this year’s Hilton A. Wick “Give Until it Hurts” Award. Whalen – a former CHT homeowner – has advanced the affordable housing mission of the organization by telling her story to others and encouraging their involvement. Her passion for this mission helped secure over $130,000 in gifts and pledges last year.
In addition to Torpy, three other staff were recognized for reaching their 10 year anniversaries: Housing Rehab Coordinator Dennis Williams, Senior Maintenance Technician Skip Trahan and Accounts Payable Coordinator Judy Hines.
Four people were elected to the Board of Directors: Sarah Muyskens, general member from Burlington; Joe Reinert and Sandra Dooley, public members from Burlington and South Burlington respectively; and Adam Piper, resident member from Burlington.
The Champlain Housing Trust’s Board has five members each in three categories: general, public and resident. The Board is elected by the membership to three year terms.
The Champlain Housing Trust stewards over 500 affordable homeownership properties and over 1,500 affordable rental apartments throughout Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties. In addition to providing affordable housing, CHT offers homebuyer education, credit counseling, foreclosure intervention support, affordable loan products and develops new homes for rent or for sale.