Following a months-long, nationwide search, Rebecca Hatfield has been chosen as the next president and CEO of nonprofit affordable housing provider Avesta Housing. Hatfield is currently senior vice president of real estate at Avesta, and her promotion to president and CEO is the latest testament to the skills and accomplishments she has exhibited since joining the organization in 2015.
The Avesta Housing Board of Directors selected Hatfield from a highly competitive pool of applicants due to her strong leadership skills; extensive experience in nonprofit management, finance and real estate development; and deep commitment to Avesta’s mission.
“Rebecca impressed us with her compassion for the people in our community and her strategic vision for our organization,” said Jonathan Culley, chair of the Avesta Housing Board of Directors. “As Avesta celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we are excited to support Rebecca as she leads this nonprofit into the next chapter of its history.”
Avesta Housing is the largest nonprofit affordable housing provider in northern New England, with 109 properties and more than 4,600 residents. In her new role as president and CEO, Hatfield will oversee 300 employees working to provide safe, quality, affordable homes and support services for people in need through real estate development, property management, housing stability services and assisted living.
“I am honored to be selected for this important role,” Hatfield said. “The affordable housing crisis in our community has reached unprecedented levels. I look forward to working with our staff, residents, partners, policymakers and neighbors to address these challenges and ensure that everyone has a place to call home.”
Hatfield will replace current Avesta Housing President & CEO Dana Totman upon his retirement in September. During his 22 years with Avesta, Totman has led the organization through tremendous growth: the number of staff has increased from 60 to 300, affordable homes in the Avesta portfolio have increased from 700 to 3,200, and assets have increased from $60 million to $350 million.
Prior to joining Avesta, Hatfield was a senior vice president at Citigroup. She brings over 15 years of experience in finance and real estate with a focus on deal structuring, underwriting, portfolio management and relationship management. Her previous employment also includes five years as a software and network management engineer.
Hatfield was named a 2021 Mainebiz Women to Watch and is actively involved in the community beyond her role at Avesta. She serves as the board vice chair and loan committee chair for Genesis Community Loan Fund and serves on the boards of the Maine Real Estate and Development Association (MEREDA) and the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. She is also a corporator for Androscoggin Bank. Previously, she served on the board of the Maine Council on Aging.
