Meet our new CEO, James Vagle. Now that James has had a few weeks to get started in his new role, it’s time for a more informal introduction. Get to know him a little better through this bite-sized Q&A.
Q: How long have you worked for Housing First Minnesota?
A: I’ve worked for Housing First since 2006 – 16 years.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working for this trade association?
A: The cause of homeownership and the people – it’s truly a joy to work with our team and alongside the pros who build and supply homes in Minnesota.
Q: What’s your favorite Housing First Minnesota event?
A: It’s hard to pick just one – but the BIG Night is such an elite industry celebration!
Q: What is one of your goals for your first year as CEO?
A: I’m looking forward to Housing First elevating even higher as the leading industry voice – both in our communication and connection to our members, and also in our connection to our various external audiences.
Q: Who’s someone that inspires you?
A: John McCain – perseverance and grit, coalition builder, and a bit of a maverick.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
A: My first boss always told me that Fred Astaire said it best when it came work and life — Do it big, do it right, and do it with style.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: ‘The Nineties’ by Chuck Klosterman — the 90s are often underestimated, but a lot of consequential things happened over the decade.
Q: When you’re not working you are…?
A: Spending time with my family and our dogs, reading non-fiction, and enjoying college football, especially my Golden Gophers. Ski-U-Mah!
Read more about James in our announcement here.
