Leadership Transition

Rachel Heller has been selected as the next executive director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership by a unanimous vote of its board of directors. She will begin on March 30, 2026.

Rachel is a seasoned housing leader who has served for nearly a decade as CEO at Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), the state’s leading housing advocacy organization. She was previously Director of Public Policy both at CHAPA and the Alliance for Business Leadership and chief of staff to the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, the late Susan Tucker.

She will replace Clark Ziegler who is retiring at the end of March after more than 40 successful years at MHP, including 35 years as executive director. We are also recruiting a new Chief Financial and Operating Officer in early 2026 to replace Charleen Tyson, who retired in November after 21 years at MHP.

MHP enters this new chapter from a position of strength. The organization is supported by an experienced and committed board and staff, a strong core management team, and sound financial footing. A strategic plan adopted by the board in December 2024 is now being implemented across the organization. Staff are engaged in the transition process and a comprehensive onboarding plan is being developed to ensure a smooth and successful leadership transition.

We are excited about the future of MHP and remain deeply committed to our mission of expanding affordable housing opportunities across the Commonwealth.