Governor Baker appoints Lisa S. Serafin of Brookline to MassHousing Board

Governor Baker appoints Lisa S. Serafin of Brookline to MassHousing Board

BOSTON – January __, 2016 – Governor Charlie Baker has appointed Lisa S. Serafin of Brookline to the MassHousing Board.  Ms. Serafin is a Principal of Redgate, a real estate advisory, development, project management and investment firm in Boston. 

“Lisa is a highly qualified and insightful real estate professional with more than 20 years of experience and she will make an excellent addition to the MassHousing Board,” said Governor Baker.

Ms. Serafin and several partners founded Redgate in 2010.  Previously she was National Director/Senior Vice President of Development at Jones Lang LaSalle/Spaulding and Slye.  Prior to that she was Senior Project Manager of the Urban Development Group for Epsilon Associates.  She has also served as the Assistant Director of Economic Development for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and a planner at the Massachusetts Port Authority. 

“I am pleased to join the MassHousing Board,” said Ms. Serafin.  “Every year MassHousing helps thousands of people buy a home and finances high-quality rental housing.  With my experience in both the private and public sectors, I am excited to contribute to sustaining and growing the housing opportunities that are critical for the economic and social health of the Commonwealth.”

Ms. Serafin holds a B.S. degree in Public Policy and Economics from Syracuse University and an M.S. degree in Urban Planning and Economic Development from Columbia University. 

“MassHousing’s lending, especially for rental housing is steadily increasing and the timing is just right to have someone of Lisa’s caliber join the Board,” said MassHousing Chairman Michael J. Dirrane.  “We appreciate the Governor’s thoughtful appointment and look forward to Lisa’s insight into our work to provide cost-effective affordable housing.”

Ms. Serafin has worked on a number of high-profile real estate development projects in the Boston area, including 338 Congress Street, the Boardwalk Residences at Marina Bay in Quincy, the Northpoint project in Cambridge, Boston and Somerville and the Fan Pier on the South Boston Waterfront.  She also advises MIT and Children’s Hospital on development and expansion projects.

MassHousing Board members are unpaid volunteers who are appointed by the Governor, typically to seven-year terms, although in the event of a vacancy a new member can be appointed to fill out the remainder of a former member’s term. 

MassHousing’s lending for affordable housing has increased steadily in recent years.  MassHousing provided $1.1 billion and served more than 9,000 families in fiscal year 2015, which ended June 30, 2015. It was the second-best lending year in the Agency's 49-year history.  The best lending year was $1.6 billion in fiscal year 2013.