Way Finders Names Keith Fairey as Next President and Chief Executive Officer

Springfield, MA— Way Finders’ Board of Directors announced today that Keith Fairey will serve as its next President and CEO, succeeding Peter Gagliardi who will retire on June 30 after nearly 30 years of service with the organization.

Way Finders began a national search for its new CEO following Gagliardi’s retirement announcement in December. The search process was led by six members of Way Finders’ Board of Directors in partnership with consultants from Marcum LLP.

Fairey most recently served as senior vice president at Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., where he led the management, oversight and strategic guidance of Enterprise’s 11 regional market teams across the United States. Fairey has extensive experience in community development and real estate finance, organizational development, and strategic planning. Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit organization that brings leaders in policy and investment together to advance local affordable housing development. Since its inception 35 years ago, Enterprise has created over 660,000 homes nationwide with over $50 billion in investment.

Prior to joining Enterprise, Keith was chief operating officer of the Mount Hope Housing Company in the Bronx. He has also served as the assistant director of Community Pride, the community building program of the Harlem Children’s Zone.

Fairey has a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in public finance and financial management from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a Bachelor of Arts in history education from the University of Delaware.

Fairey said, “I am thrilled to be joining Way Finders as its next President and CEO. I am also extremely grateful to Peter Gagliardi for his tireless, compassionate, and transformative leadership in the region and Commonwealth. I look forward to working with the exceptional staff and committed Board on furthering the organization’s mission of lighting pathways and opening doors to homes and communities where people thrive. I believe our programs and services that support housing stability, economic security, and upward mobility are critical during this time of crisis and will be essential to an equitable recovery for our clients and communities."

Board Member LeeAnn Pasquini served as Chair of the search committee. Pasquini said, “The Board is excited to welcome Keith to Way Finders as its next President and CEO. His expertise in the affordable housing sector, his demonstrated ability to collaborate with federal, state, and local partners, and his strong business and fundraising acumen make him well-suited to lead Way Finders into the future.

“At the same time, we want to celebrate Peter Gagliardi’s tenure and his legacy of building collaboration, and in playing such a vital role in building strong, inclusive communities,” Pasquini said.