Thistle Welcomes New CEO

Thistle is proud to announce the hiring of Paul D’Angelo as its new CEO. Mr. D’Angelo

was most recently the Community Development Program Director for the City of Asheville, NC for approximately four years. Prior to that he was the Director of Affordable Housing for Tribute Companies in Wilmington, NC and Planning Manager for Wilmington Housing Authority, NC as well as Chair of the Cape Fear Housing Coalition. Paul succeeds Mary Duvall, who retired after serving Thistle for 14 years as CEO.
 
For over 12 years, Mr. D’Angelo has demonstrated his passion for affordable housing and community development and has a strong belief that a community can actively engage public, private, non-profit partners to develop and support affordable mixed-income communities.  He feels strongly that all communities should offer a variety of housing types, both home ownership and rental, from manufactured homes to single family, at a variety of price points to match the variety of incomes and wages produced in the region.
 
“I am thrilled to have been selected as the next CEO of Thistle and am excited to work in partnership with its amazing team and board to build a bold vision for advancing affordable housing options in our region,” said Mr. D’Angelo. “I look forward to leveraging Thistle’s impressive legacy to continue the vital work of affordable housing & equitable and inclusive community development, as well as ensuring the vitality and visibility of our communities through strategic advocacy. I also look forward to getting to know the local community, particularly the housing advocates, stakeholders and engaged community members, to learn how Thistle can be a part of the solution in the partnerships to produce, preserve & protect affordable housing.”
 
“Paul has the skills and experience to inspire and challenge our sector to continue to reach for excellence and lead us into the future,” said Jonah Kinchy, Board President, Thistle.

Mr. D’Angelo started his position November 29, 2021. The appointment follows an extensive nationwide search supported by search consultant Jodi Dowling, TSNE MissionWorks in Boston, MA.