News Release

June 12, 2012

Contacts: Douglas Robinson, drobinson@nw.org, 202 220-2360

NeighborWorks America Names Charles Wehrwein Chief Operating Officer

Washington, D.C. – NeighborWorks America announced today that it named Charles “Chuck” Wehrwein as Chief Operating Officer. Wehrwein will oversee the organization’s divisions of field operations, national initiatives and applied research, training, organizational assessment and information management. He joins NeighborWorks America from the Housing Partnership Network where he was president of the Housing Partnership Exchange, which encompasses HPN’s cooperative businesses including its health insurance company, property and casualty insurance company; group buying organization; and Housing Partners in Health (a health benefits insurance company). Wehrwein reports to NeighborWorks America CEO Eileen Fitzgerald.

“Chuck’s experience and leadership – in public, private and nonprofit sectors -- will enhance the ability of NeighborWorks America and the NeighborWorks network to help individuals and families around the country strengthen their housing and financial well being, and in the process build stronger neighborhoods one home at a time,” said Fitzgerald. “Moreover, Chuck’s track record of establishing successful partnerships in the public and private sectors will add momentum to our efforts to advance community development across the board.”

From 2000 to 2007, Wehrwein served as Senior Vice President for Strategic Development Initiatives at Mercy Housing, where he led the planning and implementation of Mercy's portfolio acquisition initiative. He was also responsible for Mercy's underwriting and asset management activities, the Mercy Loan Fund and new business development, and he served as regional president of Mercy Housing Southwest, Midwest and East.

Before joining Mercy Housing, Wehrwein was Chief Operating Officer of the National Equity Fund, where he was responsible for all program operations, including acquisitions, asset management, portfolio management and information systems, with annual equity placements of $300 to $400 million. Previously, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for multifamily housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and as Deputy Administrator for multifamily housing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Housing Service. A Certified Public Accountant, Wehrwein earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from DePaul University.


About NeighborWorks America
NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation’s leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

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