Jessica Ryan named executive director of Housing First Minnesota Foundation
The Housing First Minnesota Foundation/HomeAid Minnesota is pleased to announce Jessica Ryan as its new executive director. Ryan has over 20 years of experience in philanthropic strategic leadership and nonprofit operations. Ryan will help lead the Foundation and its 16-member board in its strategic mission to end homelessness in Minnesota.
As executive director of the Foundation, Ryan will provide strategic direction for the charitable arm of Housing First Minnesota, an association of builders, remodelers, suppliers and trade partners.
“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/HomeAid Minnesota 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.
Ryan 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. Ryan 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, reside in Chisago City.
