Posted on January 7, 2026
BOSTON --- The Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Heller as the new Executive Director of MHP. Rachel, who currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), begins her new role on March 30.
“After a thorough and thoughtful search that yielded a number of excellent candidates, the Board is absolutely thrilled that Rachel Heller will be the next Executive Director for MHP,” said Board Chair Alicia Sasser Modestino. “Having successfully served as CEO of CHAPA for the past decade, I can think of no one more qualified or better suited to lead MHP during this transition. Rachel brings not only exceptional knowledge and experience but also a deep and personal commitment to housing affordability in Massachusetts.”
“I am honored to join the talented and dedicated MHP team to advance decades of innovative research, community assistance, and investments in homeownership and affordable housing to meet the housing needs of current and future residents, our neighborhoods, and our economy,” said Rachel. "MHP has a vital role in developing the strategies we need to meet the Commonwealth's goal of adding 222,000 new homes over the next decade while preserving the homes we have today. We are at a pivotal point in Massachusetts when we can put the solutions in place for a future where everyone can thrive.”
At CHAPA, a nonprofit organization that promotes affordable housing across Massachusetts, Heller leads organizational efforts to bring together diverse coalitions of stakeholders to stimulate the production and preservation of affordable housing, expand access to rental and homeownership opportunities, and foster diverse and sustainable neighborhoods through advocacy, planning, and community development.
In her time at CHAPA, she led the creation of CHAPA’s Municipal Engagement Initiative, an education and technical assistance program for residents and municipalities to build diverse coalitions in support of housing development and secured $1 million in seed funding for the creation of CHAPA’s Housing Policy Action Center. She was an advocacy lead for the MBTA Communities Act, multiple housing bond bills, served as a member of the Governor’s Housing Advisory Council, and currently serves on the Governor’s Interagency Housing and Homelessness External Advisory Council.
She is known for her collaborative approach having led, launched, convened, or supported several successful coalitions including Our Massachusetts: Homes for a Thriving Commonwealth Coalition, the On Solid Ground Coalition, the MRVP Coalition, the Building Blocks Coalition on state budget advocacy, the New England Housing Network, and the Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition.
A resident of Belmont, she serves as a Representative Member of Belmont Town Meeting, a member of the Belmont Housing Trust, and a member of the statewide Housing Navigator Board.
As Executive Director of MHP, Heller will play a pivotal role in solving the affordable housing crisis, making a direct and tangible difference in the lives of thousands of families across Massachusetts. This includes leading implementation of MHP’s strategic plan.
The Healey Driscoll Administration has praised the choice.
"We're thrilled to celebrate Rachel Heller's newest role as the Massachusetts Housing Partnership's Executive Director. As our administration works to make housing more affordable across Massachusetts, Rachel has been a critical partner," said Governor Maura Healey. "Together, we've passed the Affordable Homes Act, are building nearly 100,000 new homes, and are turning unused state land into housing. We look forward to continuing to work with Rachel and MHP to build more reasonably priced housing and lower costs for people."
"For the last ten years, Rachel has been an incredible advocate for housing policy as CHAPA's CEO," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "Her strategic leadership has made her a key collaborator as we find ways to build more housing and lower costs, and as the new Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, we're confident that we will continue to work together to build more affordable homes in Massachusetts."
“Rachel has long been a valued voice on housing policy and a trusted partner to the Healey-Driscoll Administration as we advance our housing goals. Beyond her advocacy for affordable housing, fair housing laws and smart zoning, Rachel’s leadership on the Housing Advisory Council that produced our historic Statewide Housing Plan and her service on the Interagency Housing and Homelessness External Advisory Council and the Extremely Low-Income Housing Commission have been essential to meeting the needs of Massachusetts residents. I’m thrilled to congratulate her on this new role and look forward to continuing our work together,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus.
In September 2025, after 40 years of leadership, Executive Director Clark Ziegler announced his retirement, which is effective at the end of March 2026. The MHP board of directors formed a search committee and engaged Bridge Partners, an executive search firm, to lead the national search for a new executive director. In November 2025, MHP hosted a “40 Years in Partnership” reception to thank partner organizations and former and current staff for helping MHP fulfill its mission and reach the milestone.
MHP is a public, nonprofit organization that expands access to affordable housing and promotes housing equity in communities across the Commonwealth. Founded in 1985, MHP is now a 70+ employee organization with a strategic focus on investing resources on evidence-based best practices and evidence-generating investments.
For press inquiries, contact MHP Communications Manager Lisa Braxton.