Kevin Nowak, General Counsel
A few months ago, Kevin had a decision to make – continue a successful career in the corporate sector, or use his talents to benefit a Cleveland non-profit. Kevin chose the latter. An expert in affordable housing and community development, Kevin has a passion for using stable housing as a means to build lives and communities. During his 11 year career, Kevin developed a unique expertise combining law, finance, public policy and commitment to mission. In April, 2016 Kevin left a lucrative career at KeyBank as the National Equity Investment Manager of Key Community Development Corporation to join CHN as General Counsel.
A leader and problem solver, Kevin thrives on complex issues, attacking them with creative solutions and the ability to bring together diverse stakeholders in a partnership approach.
Kevin is actively involved in affordable housing industry groups and has been Treasurer of CHN Housing Partners, Board Member of New Sunrise Properties and Lorain County Habitat for Humanity, and a member of the advisory boards of several affordable housing preservation funds. Kevin is a frequent speaker at industry events and was invited by the White House to participate in a roundtable on community finance issues.
Kevin has this to say about his passion for affordable housing; “Safe, decent, affordable housing is the foundation for personal stability and economic vitality. In my office, I have a painting of a homeless gentleman and the words “You are Beautiful.” I saw the painting at Grumpy’s in Tremont and it touched me because it is the essence of the passion that drives my work – every life is beautiful and I feel a moral obligation to help people break the cycle of poverty or receive the mental health or drug addiction counseling they need, if not for themselves, then for the sake of future generations.”
