June 18, 2026 (Salem) – After years of dedicated leadership, Ilene Podgur Vogel, the organization’s longtime Director of Real Estate, will transition into a part time role beginning March 2026 as she prepares for her retirement at the end of the year. In this new role, Ilene will serve as Director of Strategic Development, continuing to lead key developments and support the organization through this transition.
Ilene’s impact on North Shore Community Development Coalition Inc. has been extraordinary. She has played a central role in building and shaping the organization’s real estate portfolio, helping to create and preserve more than 500 affordable homes across the North Shore. Her leadership has guided complex, community centered developments with consistency, integrity, and a deep commitment to ensuring that residents are at the heart of the work.
As part of this transition, North Shore Community Development Coalition Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Cassandra “Cassie” Witthaus (pictured left) as its new Director of Real Estate Development.
Cassie brings strong experience in affordable housing development, including leading complex projects through financing, construction, and completion. Her background includes work with Low Income Housing Tax Credits, historic tax credits, and both new construction and occupied rehabilitation projects. She has successfully managed multi phase developments, coordinated large consultant teams, and supported staff in building strong project management and financial skills .
In her new role, Cassie will serve as a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s real estate strategy. She will oversee the full lifecycle of development projects from acquisition and predevelopment through construction, lease up, and long term portfolio management, while mentoring a growing team and strengthening cross department collaboration .
This leadership transition comes at a time when the need for affordable housing across the North Shore and throughout Massachusetts continues to intensify. Rising rents, housing instability, and increasing homelessness are placing pressure on families, seniors, and young people across the region.
Cassie shared, “I am honored to join North Shore Community Development Coalition Inc. at such an important time. The organization’s commitment to community centered development and its track record of impact deeply resonate with me. I look forward to building on that work and helping to advance new opportunities for affordable housing across the North Shore.”
Felicia S. Pierce, NSCDC CEO, added, “We know that access to affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing our communities today. Having strong, strategic, and passionate leaders at the helm of this work matters. I am excited to welcome Cassie into this role and confident in her ability to help lead us forward as we continue to expand access to housing and invest in our communities.”
Ilene will continue to lead several major developments already underway, including El Centro, ensuring continuity and strong alignment as the organization moves forward.
This transition reflects a thoughtful investment in leadership and long term impact, ensuring that North Shore Community Development Coalition Inc. remains strong, responsive, and positioned to meet the growing demand for affordable housing.