Join Our Team!
Kirsten Elliott
PresidentKirsten believes in housing as a fundamental right, rooted in her personal experience as a parent raising a son with a disability. Having benefited from housing programs similar to those provided by CHN, she understands the transformative impact safe and affordable homes can have on marginalized individuals and communities. This first-hand understanding fuels her commitment to creating homes and communities where every disenfranchised member of society can thrive.
Kirsten has been appointed President of Community Housing Network (CHN), ushering in a new era for the organization. She will guide the executive group, oversee daily operations, and drive the organizational strategy in collaboration with CEO, Marc Craig, focusing on financial performance and stakeholder relationships.
With over 22 years of experience at CHN, including her recent role as Chief Operating Officer, Kirsten has demonstrated expertise in real estate development, funding, and strategic leadership. One of her most significant achievements was establishing the Housing Resource Center (HRC), the organization’s cornerstone community resource. The HRC connects individuals and families with affordable and accessible housing options along with comprehensive supportive services. In this role, she led a comprehensive organizational restructuring effort that strengthened leadership capabilities, defined clear roles and expected outcomes, and established a dedicated data management and quality assurance department.
As Vice President of Development, Kirsten successfully collaborated with local, state, and federal entities to conceive and execute the development of several affordable housing communities in Michigan, including the renowned Unity Park in Pontiac and Jefferson Oaks in Oak Park. Kirsten has managed over $120 million in funding to acquire and rehabilitate homes for individuals in need, creating nearly 1,000 new affordable housing units across the state. Kirsten’s leadership of capital campaigns, cultivation of beneficial partnerships, and effective management of staff and resources have been instrumental in driving the organization’s financial growth.
Kirsten holds a degree from Wayne State University and was named a 2019 Notable Woman in Real Estate by Crain’s. In addition to serving on the Community Development Association of Michigan’s board of directors for six years, she was the lead facilitator for the Real Estate Development Boot Camp for three years. She served as Oakland County Homeless Continuum of Care Co-Chair for over 12 years. She currently serves on the board of the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan.