RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — The board of directors for National CORE (National CORE) hired an interim President and CEO, Steve PonTell. PonTell’s background in organizational development, community development, and urban planning is seen as a good fit for the affordable housing organization known for comprehensive and large scale community development projects.
“I’m proud to be part of such a well regarded organization like National CORE,” said PonTell. “It is one of the largest affordable housing nonprofits in the state of California. The organization has demonstrated its commitment to long-term community vitality through an innovative and holistic model. My vision is to broaden and develop its capacity for economic and community development in a way that creates impactful and
long term results.”
PonTell founded the La Jolla Institute, a California-based nonprofit think tank that advances a better understanding of the critical elements necessary for both communities and corporations to achieve sustainable economic competitiveness. He has a deep understanding of community and economic development and in the last year consulted on many local development forums including the SCAG General Assembly and Four Corners Coalition Transportation and Economic Summit.
“Steve’s expertise in both organizational development, and in economic and community development, will greatly contribute to both National CORE and Hope’s future,” said National CORE Chairman Sebastiano Sterpa. “As we celebrate our 20th anniversary year in 2012, and considering all the volatility in the affordable housing industry, Steve has the right mix of experience and expertise to build on our organizations’ strengths and mission, and prepare us to go to the next level.”
“When I talked to local community leaders about National CORE, the response was overwhelmingly positive,” said PonTell. “The organization exemplifies real commitment and passion for the neighborhoods, families, and seniors it serves. Employees believe in the mission and I am excited to be part of this team.”
PonTell will replace former CEO Orlando Cabrera who is no longer with the organization effective December 31, 2011. Orlando cited that the extensive travel requirement to run the organization was impeding his family life. He resides in Washington, D.C. and was required to travel to the corporate office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA several times per year.
About National CORE: Based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, National CORE is one of the largest nonprofit affordable housing organizations in the state. In 2006 the organization changed its charter and mission to expand nationwide. Today it oversees a growing portfolio of approximately 10,000 units of affordable housing in four states, including California, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas. National CORE has the capacity for large-scale projects with in-house development, construction, property management, and social service departments. Founded in 1998, its Hope Through Housing Foundation delivers top quality, research validated, youth and senior services to the communities National CORE serves.