BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for Avesta Housing
June 4, 2025 – BroadView Talent Partners has helped to recruit Jennifer Hawkins as the new president and CEO of Avesta Housing in Portland, ME. The assignment was led by Tracy McMillan, Melania DaSilva Deaver, Donna Young, Robyn Quinn, and Elizabeth Keyser. “Jennifer’s leadership is defined by innovation, strategic vision, and a powerful dedication to meeting community needs through affordable housing and housing stability programs,” said Renee Fay-LeBlanc, chair of the Avesta Housing board of directors. “The Avesta board is confident that she will guide Avesta into its next chapter with clarity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve. “Jennifer’s appointment comes at a critical time for the housing and community development field. Her proven record of mission-driven growth and commitment to inclusive, community-centered development makes her uniquely qualified to lead Avesta and deepen its impact.”
Ms. Hawkins brings more than 20 years of visionary leadership and deep expertise in affordable housing, community development, and health equity. She most recently served as president and CEO of One Neighborhood Builders in Providence, RI, where she led transformative growth, pioneered innovative housing developments and aligned housing policy with health and economic outcomes. Her tenure was also marked by the successful cultivation of high-impact philanthropic partnerships.
As the public face of Avesta Housing, Ms. Hawkins will spearhead initiatives to address systemic housing challenges, expand affordable housing opportunities, and promote equity and inclusion across Maine and New Hampshire. She will build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, donors, and public officials to enhance Avesta’s influence and secure resources for innovative programs.
“I am deeply honored to join Avesta Housing and to partner with the talented team, dedicated board, and vibrant communities that make this organization so exceptional,” said Ms. Hawkins. “Avesta is a highly respected affordable housing powerhouse. I’m eager to build upon its incredible track record and lead the organization to realize new heights because everyone deserves a place to call home.”
Avesta Housing is a non-profit affordable housing provider with more than 50 years of experience as a leader in affordable housing development and property management in Maine and New Hampshire. The organization operates 100 affordable properties, more than 3,000 apartments and two assisted living facilities, providing safe, affordable homes for more than 4,000 people every day.
Founded in 2015, BroadView Talent Partners is a national executive search firm dedicated to placing leadership in affordable housing agencies, non-profit organizations, and associations, as well as middle market companies. The firm provides clients with a national network; commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a record of long-tenured placements. Its specialties include executive search, talent acquisition, retention solutions, career management, executive coaching, and board development.
Proven Non-Profit Specialists
Mr. McMillan is managing partner and CEO of BroadView. He has over 25 years of experience providing executive search, retention solutions and leadership advisory services to clients. He has developed a strong focus within the affordable housing, non-profit and middle-market sectors, and established a track record of well-placed, long-tenured C-suite executives. Prior to starting BroadView Talent Partners (formerly HCGA Consulting Partners) in 2015, Mr. McMillan served as the vice president of global talent acquisition for the NBA. Previously, he spent five years as a managing director at Diversified Search Group.
Related: BroadView Talent Partners Recruits COO for Archway Communities
Ms. DaSilva Deaver, principal, has nearly 20 years of experience building and aligning talent functions to support strategic corporate goals for a variety of organizations. Passionate about connecting clients with top-tier candidates to build inclusive teams and diverse perspectives, she works with all sizes of organizations from start-up to Fortune 500.
BroadView Talent Partners Assists Healthy New Albany with Executive Director Search
BroadView Talent Partners has assisted in the recruitment of Rachel Haugk as the new executive director of Healthy New Albany in New Albany, OH. Christie Angel led the assignment. “We are thrilled to announce Rachel Haugk as the new executive director of Healthy New Albany,” the non-profit said. “Rachel brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building, strategic planning, and development — all key to advancing our mission of cultivating and inspiring healthy living in our community. Please join us in welcoming Rachel to our community.” Ms. Haugk is an experienced executive director and business owner with 14 years of experience of running a small business and non-profit organization. She was previously with Ohio State University serving within donor experience, College of Public Health.
Ms. Young manages BroadView Talent Partners’ administrative, organizational, search and candidate logistical support. She specializes in project management, customer relationships, marketing, social media, client/corporate communications, graphic design, and sales. Ms. Young was a founder/partner of Interrobang Design, a design firm based in NYC, with clients such as Random House, Tourneau, and Unilever.
Ms. Quinn, vice president and senior research associate, is an experienced research and recruiting professional with a demonstrated history of accomplishments within the executive search and corporate recruiting sectors. Her areas of industry expertise include non-profit, healthcare and fundraising/development.
Ms. Keyser is an associate and conducts formal and informal referencing and social media and reputation screens for finalist candidates in leadership positions in the non-profit, affordable housing, and mid-market sectors. She interviews multiple references, conducts research, and prepares reports. Ms. Keyer has 20 years of experience as a writer, editor, and content creator for websites, magazines, and newspapers, covering a range of topics and industries.
Related: BroadView Talent Partners Recruits CEO for Mountain Housing Opportunities
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
