EVP Carmen Romero Named President and CEO-Elect

Nina Janopaul, APAH President and CEO announced earlier this month her plans to retire at the end of June after 14 years of exceptional service and leadership. She will be succeeded by Carmen Romero, APAH’s Executive Vice President and long-time leader of the organization’s real estate team.

Nina came to APAH in 2007 and has led APAH’s remarkable growth—from a staff of 3 to a team of 38; from 534 units to 1,800 with another 1,000 in the pipeline; and, from early financial struggles when the very survival of APAH was in question, to a total asset value of more than $500 million. The organization that once identified itself as small, but mighty, is now recognized as one of the Top 50 affordable housing developers in the nation.

Carmen joined APAH in 2011 and has led the real estate team for nearly a decade.  With a passionate commitment to APAH’s mission, she brought to the organization deep expertise honed at Clark Construction, Marriott International, and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. In partnership with Nina, she built APAH’s reputation as a best-in-class developer of complex new construction, infill projects, and ambitious entitlements with an unparalleled ability to execute. They have also worked together to develop a deep bench of talented staff who share their commitment to APAH’s mission.

“All of us on APAH’s Board are honored to have partnered with Nina in building this organization to meet the growing need for affordable housing, to provide transformative services to our residents, and to be advocates for equity and opportunity,” said Susan Bell, chair of APAH’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to finding ways throughout the upcoming year to celebrate Nina even as we work with Carmen, APAH’s staff, residents, and the wider community to shape APAH’s vision for the future.”