Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services has appointed two new members to its board of directors as the nonprofit marks its 50th year of expanding affordable housing opportunities across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes.
The organization announced that Constance A. Graham and Nick Lundgren have joined its board, bringing decades of experience in education, mental health, housing policy, law and community development. INHS said the appointments support its ongoing mission of strengthening affordable housing access and neighborhood stability throughout its seven-county service area.
Graham, a longtime Ithaca homeowner, first became involved with INHS through its homeownership programs. Her professional background includes leadership roles in K-12 education, community mental health and nonprofit administration. She previously served as principal of Diven Elementary School in Elmira and has held positions with the Rochester City School District, Ithaca City School District, New York State Office of Mental Health and New York State Office of Family and Children’s Services.
Lundgren brings more than 20 years of experience in affordable housing law, policy and development. He currently serves as a lecturer in Cornell University’s Department of City and Regional Planning, where he teaches courses focused on affordable housing law, homelessness policy and land use law. He also serves as general counsel for New Destiny Housing Corporation, a nonprofit that provides housing assistance to domestic violence survivors.
His previous roles include deputy commissioner and general counsel for New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Housing and director of housing and community development for the State of Connecticut.
INHS Executive Director Kate de la Garza said both appointees bring valuable expertise that will help guide the organization as it plans for the future. The nonprofit also recognized outgoing board member Lacey Lent for eight years of service.
Founded in 1976, INHS is a nonprofit community development corporation affiliated with NeighborWorks America. The organization helps individuals and families of modest incomes secure affordable housing and serves Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Schuyler, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties.
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