Executive Director - About CAN-DO - Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization


			Josephine McNeil is the Executive Director of Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization, Inc. d/b/a CAN-DO. CAN-DO is a community-based nonprofit housing development organization with a mission to create affordable housing in the City of Newton. The organization was formed in 1994 and owns three properties. One was purchased and renovated in 1996; the other two are in the development process. All of the properties serve special needs populations and include supportive services for the residents. Josephine was one of the founding members of CAN-DO and served as its first president until 1999 when she was hired as its part-time Executive Director and became its full-time Executive Director in 2000. Josephine brings to her position knowledge of real estate development with a focus on affordable housing, as well as knowledge and skills in structuring affordable housing projects gained from her prior positions. Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, she ran her own affordable housing and economic development firm. Her background includes employment as a real estate attorney for the Boston law firm Brown Rudnick Freed and Gesmer and a position as Senior Project Manager for a real estate developer whose focus was on affordable housing. Josephine's work in the area of affordable housing was recognized by the City of Newton when she was designated the Year 2000 recipient of the Human Rights Award. She received the Newton Women's Commission award in 2002, and also received the 2002 Bob Swett Excellence in Housing Award. Her local activities include membership on the Newton Housing Partnership, the Economic Development Advisory Committee, Co-Chairperson of Uniting Citizens for Housing Affordability in Newton and a member of the Newton Community Preservation Alliance. That organization recently led a successful campaign to pass the Community Preservation Act in the City of Newton. She also serves on the board of several regional organizations including CHAPA, the Property Law Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association and the Lawyers Clearinghouse for Affordable Housing and Homelessness. In addition, she is the immediate Past President of the American Bar Association Commission for Homelessness and Poverty.

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