Lynette Gibson McElhaney

Lynette Gibson McElhaney has served as the Executive Director of Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services since November 2001. Lynette has more nearly 20 years experience in housing and community development. Having received her initial training at the University of California, Berkeley where she studied with Arthur Blaustein, Karen Christiansen, and Ed Blakely.

Lynette began her professional career in non-profit work with Oakland Neighborhood Housing Services. She then went on to work for the City of Oakland, the East Bay Delta Housing and Finance Agency and then Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services.

Lynette current serves as the Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of the East Bay – a 30 year housing counseling and community development corporation based in Richmond, CA. In her current capacity, Lynette serves as the chief executive officer of a program that manages a $2 million rental real estate portfolio and provides critical counseling services to more than 400 households annually through its foreclosure mitigation and first-time homebuyer programs.

Under her leadership NHS has co-developed 82 units as part of the City of Richmond's largest redevelopment effort, the HOPE VI redevelopment of East Hill projects.

Eastbay NHS has been at the forefront of Contra Costa's foreclosure crisis, launching the first public awareness campaign with a press conference with Rep. George Miller in July 2007.

Lena Robinson

Regional Manager

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Lena Robinson is a regional manager in community development at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, covering the area of Northern California. In this capacity, she works to increase access to capital, credit and banking services for low-income communities and residents in compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. This objective is achieved in part by providing technical assistance and training on successful initiatives and programs, convening key stakeholders to identify community development needs, and facilitating partnerships between financial institutions and community-based organizations. Outcomes from such partnerships may result in increased affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization; loans and training for emerging small businesses; and services targeted to low-income individuals.

Lena severs as a board member of NHS East Bay, Operation Hope Northwest Region, Alameda County Community Action Program and the steering committee of the Alameda County Community Asset Network otherwise known as ACCAN.

Prior to joining the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Lena worked as the housing coordinator for international students at UC Davis Extension. She holds a master's degree in international affairs with an emphasis on rural African development from Ohio University, and a bachelor's in Japanese from the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Willie Robinson

Ambassador

When Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) was going through some tough times, Willie Robinson stepped up to the plate to put the organization on the right path. Working closely with the executive director, "Robby" became an ambassador for the organization and his community. He reached out to Richmond's lenders and residents to promote the importance of the NHS's work. In addition to securing city contracts, Robby fortified the organization by recruiting residents and key professionals to take meaningful roles with the board. The influx of talent increased donations and led to a partnership with Citibank that still exists today.

As a two-time resident team coordinator, Robby was instrumental I recruiting emerging resident leaders. One of them, Rev. Andre Shumake, helped found the "Tent City" peace movement as a stand against the growing number of murders in the city. Another, Audra Williams, attended the Community Leadership Institute with Robby in Houston and, upon her return, started a nonprofit to help improve the academic achievement of children in West County schools. It's clear that Robby has an ability to inspire people to find ways to make a difference in their community.

Robby's hard work and commitment to the community of Richmond made him received the prestigious "Dorothy Richardson Resident Leadership Award" on December 2009.

Neils Povlsen

Old Republic Title Company

Niels Povlsen is a specialist in developing and managing profitable programs, departments and operations. Niels has over 32 years of Title Insurance and Escrow experience. His experience is emphasized with expertise in Management and Sales. Niels has worked with high-profile companies such as Fidelity National Title Company, First American Title Company and Transamerica Title Company.

A leader in his community, Niels is affiliated with organizations such as the NAIOP, ICSC, Oakland Chamber of Commerce and Wire. He is also co-founder of a Bay Area adult singles cycling and hiking club, Hikanbyke. The club's 450 members range in age from mid 40's to mid 70's. Members are involved in a multitude of group activities, in addition to regular hiking and cycling events.

Maxine Reynolds

Graduate of University of San Francisco with a Masters Degree in Organizational Development; has worked in banking for the past 20 years in various positions and banks. Currently serves as Vice-President/Relationship Manager at Tri-Valley Bank in San Ramon. Prior to entering the world of banking she worked in the airline industry for 17 years in Detroit, Michigan in Operations and San Francisco in Sales as an Account Executive in the Financial District.

In addition to serving on the board of NHS, she chairs the board of Opera Noir an organization dedicated to identifying talented young people of color and helping them get into the classical arts, member of the board of directors of Progressive Transitions a non-profit dedicated to helping women break the cycle of domestic violence victimization and she also volunteers for the Oakland Symphony.