INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Local nonprofit Merchants Affordable Housing Corp. (MAHC) today announces Bruce R. Baird will serve as President and CEO. Baird has been involved with MAHC for more than seven years, having served on the organization’s Board of Directors since 2014 and as Board Chair since April 2019.
In his new role as President and CEO, Baird will serve in a key leadership position for all service and consulting initiatives within MAHC, as well as for the company’s partner project, HomeNow Indy, in partnership with the City of Indianapolis and the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention (CHIP). Additionally, Baird will be responsible for providing financial oversight on both the development and programmatic sides of the organization and will contribute to the ongoing asset management of existing MAHC properties.
“We are elated to welcome Bruce into his new executive role at Merchants Affordable Housing,” said Julia Kaercher, Vice President of Program Development for MAHC. “His experience in the affordable housing industry and his commitment to the Indianapolis community are a strong match with the purpose and mission of MAHC. Bruce has been a member of our Board of Directors for a number of years, and we are excited for his transition to our President and CEO.”
Baird will also focus on securing new sources of funding for future property acquisitions while establishing key partnerships with company stakeholders, industry regulators and more. He will work closely with the Board of Directors to identify, create and implement strategic plans to further the company’s mission and will be responsible for bringing top talent to MAHC as the company continues to expand its footprint throughout Indianapolis.
“It is an honor and privilege of mine to take on this new position with MAHC,” said Baird. “I am passionate about creating accessible and affordable housing in my community, and now in this leadership position with MAHC, I will continue making this my top priority. The MAHC commitment to developing affordable housing options for residents is growing stronger, and I am eager to expand our work throughout Indiana and the greater Midwest in the coming years.”
Prior to joining MAHC, Baird most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for Renew Indianapolis, Inc., where he was responsible for increasing land bank property sales by 300% and developing new sales programs to support nonprofit organizations operating across Indianapolis. In 2019, Baird oversaw the company’s successful merger with King Park Development Corporation. He previously held leadership positions with Insight Development Corp., City of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development and the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership.
To learn more about MAHC, its properties and its services, visit www.merchantsaffordablehousing.org
ABOUT MERCHANTS AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORP. Established in 1981, Merchants Affordable Housing Corp. (MAHC) is a registered 501(c)(3) that is actively developing and preserving affordable housing units across Indiana. MAHC is committed to creating stable, vibrant and healthy communities for all its residents, using resources and expertise to build, acquire or upgrade multifamily properties across the state. Currently, MAHC owns over 2,580 units around the Indianapolis area and in northern Indiana and is looking to begin development outside the state.