THIS BLOG POST IS THE first OF A SERIES THAT PROFILE EACH OF THE HONOREES AT THE 2019 CHAMPIONS OF HOUSING EVENT ON NOVEMBER 7.
Metro Housing is very pleased to honor Jesse Kanson-Benanav with the 2019 Champions of Housing Rising Star Award. Jesse has over 15 years of experience in real estate development, public policy, and community engagement. He is currently a senior project manager at B’nai B’rith Housing New England where he manages affordable housing work including the design, permitting, financing, and construction of new developments.
B’nai B’rith Housing is a regional nonprofit housing developer whose mission is to ease the housing crisis in the Greater Boston area. They work with cities and towns to create economically viable, affordable housing options which respond to the needs and aspirations of each community.
Jesse is a noted community organizer and founded ABC Cambridge, a community-based organization advocating for increased housing production and smart-growth development in Cambridge and Greater Boston. As a result of his successful leadership of ABC, Jesse was recognized by the Boston Globe Magazine in 2016 as a “game changer” for his and ABC’s positive contributions to improving the Massachusetts economy. Jesse has a Master in City Planning degree from MIT.
Prior to joining B’nai B’rith Housing, Jesse worked as a Senior Project Manager for Somerville Community Corporation, a Regional Project Associate for Community Builders, and a public housing management consultant for Edgemere Consulting. He is also a board member at Just-A-Start Corporation and Chairman of their Real Estate Committee.
Jesse will receive the award at the Champions of Housing Celebration on November 7, 2019 at the Boch Center –Wang Theater. For tickets and sponsorship information, go to bit.ly/coh19