STAFF

Crucial to the success of Community Housing Partnership are the more than 165 dedicated staff members who work for CHP. Our staff members bring a wide variety of experience and a high level of commitment to our mission to their work. We pride ourselves on learning from the insight and talents of formerly homeless people, and to that end, hire extensively from the community we serve. Over half of our staff members were once homeless, and many graduated from our job training programs.

SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Jeff Kositsky, Executive Director. Jeff has been working in the non-profit sector since 1989. He brings extensive expertise in the field of affordable housing, including housing development, tenant services and program development. In addition, Jeff has worked on community development projects both in the United States as well as internationally. He holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas and a B.A. in Economics and International Studies from American University. He also serves as a board member for the Coalition on Homelessness and for the San Francisco Information Clearinghouse.

Barbara Farrell, Director of Finance. Barbara has been working in the nonprofit sector since 1991 and joined CHP in 2008. She was the Executive Director and CFO of a substance abuse treatment agency and opened the first residential program in San Francisco specifically for homeless women. Prior to her nonprofit experience, she was the Assistant Controller for a publicly held corporation from 1982 through 1990. She majored in literature at Brooklyn College.

Bernadette Gaerlan, Director of Human Resources and Administration. Bernadette joined CHP in 2006 and has been working in human resources since 1996. Past work experience includes six years work in human resources at a non-profit substance abuse recovery multi-service center. She holds a degree in Human Relations from Golden Gate University.

Christine Galvez, Director of Employment and Training Programs.  Christine has been working in the non-profit sector since 1985 and joined CHP in 2005.  She specializes in managing and developing employment programs for formerly homeless adults with multiple barriers.  Prior to coming to CHP, Christine worked with children, youth and families through popular education programs in San Francisco, East Palo Alto and the East Bay.  She holds a degree in Spanish from San Francisco State University as well as her Adult Basic Education teaching credential.

Gail Gilman, Director of Tenant Services. Gail has been working in the non-profit sector since 1995. She has wide experience in the field of supportive housing, and has spoken at numerous conferences across the country. Prior to joining CHP in 2001, she was the program director for the Bridge Project, an integrated services and housing program. Gail holds a Master of Non-Profit Administration from the University of San Francisco.

Elizabeth Hewson, Deputy Director. Elizabeth has been working in the non-profit sector since 1994. Her prior experience includes developing and facilitating training programs for homeless adults in San Francisco; displaced communities in Guatemala; and immigrants in Italy. Since joining CHP in 2000, Elizabeth has served as Program Assistant, Training Manager, Director of Employment and Training and is now the Deputy Director.  She holds a degree in Literature from the University of California, San Diego.

Theresa Howe, Director of Fund Development. Theresa joined CHP in 2005 and has been working for agencies serving people who have experienced homelessness since 2001. Prior to joining CHP, she was the Grants Manager for the Women's Lunch Place in Boston. She holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University.

David Schnur, Director of Housing Development. David joined CHP in 2005 and has been working in the field of affordable housing development since 1999. Prior to joining CHP, he was project manager for Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition. He holds a Master of Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Brett Vaughn, Director of Property Management. Brett has been working in the field of property management since 1988. He has spoken at numerous affordable and supportive housing conferences. His extensive experience in property management includes managing large, mixed income housing projects, staff management, budgeting and compliance. Prior to joining CHP in 2004, he worked as Asset/Operations Manager for EAH, Inc., where he was responsible for a mixed portfolio of over 30 subsidized and tax credit projects, ensuring smooth property operations and regulatory compliance. Brett holds a degree in Business Administration and Finance from Oklahoma State University.

Zeke Weiner, Director of Asset Management. Since 1990, Zeke's professional work has centered on the areas of housing and homelessness in both San Francisco and New York. With the Community Housing Partnership since 2000, Zeke has served as the Director of Property Management, Director of Administration, and is now the Director of Asset Management. He holds a Master of Anthropology from the University of Chicago.