Robin Hughes to Join HPN, Holly Benson Becomes Designated President & CEO

A New Chapter for Abode Communities and Robin Hughes
A Message from Kelly Boyer, Abode Communities Board Chair

After 26 years of extraordinary leadership combined with an unrelenting commitment to serving communities of color, on May 31, 2022, Robin Hughes will leave her post as President & CEO of Abode Communities to serve Housing Partnership Network as its President & CEO.

Robin’s work has had an indelible impact on both Abode Communities and the affordable housing industry as we know it today. In her tenure with the organization, she has played the integral role of defining and advancing Abode Communities as a high-performance multidisciplinary nonprofit organization anchored by its mission and values. Her legacy includes more than doubling Abode Communities’ residential portfolio for the benefit of some 12,000 Californians in need of service enriched and permanently affordable housing opportunities.

The impact of Robin’s work has been recognized among her peers both locally and nationally. Whether it be testifying in Congress, advocating for statewide and local ballot measures, or steering legislation, Robin’s expertise in navigating the complex world of affordable housing policy has positively impacted countless families, individuals, and people experiencing homelessness nationwide.

With Robin’s departure, the board of directors and I are pleased to announce that Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Holly Benson will succeed Robin as the designated President & CEO. Holly brings with her more than two decades of experience from within the affordable housing realm, including her 15-year tenure at Abode Communities where she oversees all facets of affordable housing development and operation, including resident service provision.

The soon-to-be open Chief Operating Officer position presents Abode Communities with a distinct opportunity to demonstrate its values in action, especially as they pertain to the organization’s commitment to Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI). Abode Communities’ board of directors, Holly, and the entire leadership team remain steadfast in their commitment to foster an organizational culture where all staff understand – and in many ways represent – the many communities we serve. In the coming months, we will launch an extensive national search for the COO position, anchored by our commitment to our REDI values.

For now, I ask that you join me in celebrating Robin’s legacy and the transition to a new chapter under Holly’s leadership at Abode Communities. The board of directors, staff, and I are confident and excited about the changes to come, and invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

Sincerely,

Kelly Boyer
Abode Communities Board Chair
Managing Director, Rose Community Capital