The Housing First Minnesota Foundation is pleased to announce Jessica Ryan as the new executive director. Jessica will help provide strategic direction for the charitable arm of Housing First Minnesota.
Jessica has over 20 years of experience in philanthropic strategic leadership and nonprofit operations. She will help lead the Foundation and its 16-member board in its strategic mission to end homelessness in Minnesota.
“We’re pleased to announce Jessica Ryan as the Housing First Minnesota Foundation’s new executive director as she brings a wealth of experience and expertise in philanthropic strategic leadership,” said Kate Hamilton, the 2022 Housing First Minnesota Foundation president. “With her leadership, the Foundation is poised to strengthen its mission to provide safe, dignified housing for those in need in our community.”
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation works to build futures through housing for Minnesotans in need by partnering with service organizations to build and renovate transitional housing facilities that will have a lasting impact on lives for years to come. The Foundation leverages the expertise and resources of Housing First Minnesota’s builder, remodeler and associate members to create housing for people in crisis in our community.
Jessica is excited to kickstart her role during the month of November—which is Homelessness Awareness month and includes Give to the Max Day on November 17. She is assisting with the Foundation’s fundraising goal of $15,000.
Jessica holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications and broadcast journalism from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and an MBA nonprofit certification from the University of St. Thomas. She has held leadership roles with several local and national nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the executive director of the United Way of Washington County East. Jessica and her husband, Andy, along with their three children, live in Chisago City and love spending time on the lake.
We’re excited for Jessica to join the team!
