Michelle Foster Departing as Executive Director of NASLEF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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DETROIT, Mich. — October 3, 2025 – NASLEF, the leading nonprofit organization empowering mission-driven, locally engaged housing and community investment partners, announced the departure of its Executive Director, Michelle Foster, who has held this leadership role for over two years.  

NASLEF's Board extends its gratitude to Foster, who has been instrumental in the organization's growth, particularly in the deep engagement she garnered among members and partners. Her elevation of NASLEF's brand, along with a clear vision for its long-term growth, and the systems she created have built a strong foundation for the organization.

Under Foster's leadership, NASLEF also welcomed its first national syndicator, Grow America, as a core member to expand impact with mission-aligned partners. With a shared mission and proven track record of raising and deploying $1.26 billion in equity and creating 16,743 housing units, Grow America is a strong addition to NASLEF.  

"Leading NASLEF has been an incredibly rewarding chapter in my career. I am deeply grateful for the collaboration, dedication, and passion of our members and partners who share a vision of stronger, more vibrant communities. I look forward to seeing NASLEF's impact continue to grow in the years ahead,” Foster recently said. 

Foster has dedicated over fifteen years of impactful industry experience across affordable housing and community development. Her multi-sector experience has delivered data-driven solutions that empower local communities.

“Michelle's role as the first full-time executive director has been extremely impactful. She has dramatically increased collaboration among NASLEF members and stakeholders and built a foundation for NASLEF to thrive for years to come,” said Ari Beliak, President and CEO of Merritt Community Capital Corporation, who recently concluded his term as NASLEF Board President and will continue as Past President.

Since its founding in 1994, NASLEF has raised and invested over $22.5 billion in affordable rental housing developments, resulting in over 200,000 units created or preserved across the United States. The organization continues to serve as a trusted network of mission-driven advocates, dedicated to strengthening communities through affordable housing investment. 

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About NASLEF 

NASLEF's mission is to empower locally engaged, mission-driven, housing and community investment partners to build thriving communities. Through its mission-driven approach, NASLEF leverages national expertise and resources while bringing its unique local knowledge to strengthen local communities. As local champions in the affordable housing space with proven models, NASLEF works to drive change in national policy and develop new leadership in the field, helping to build a brighter future.