Manda LaPorte is a graduate student and Paul D. Coverdell fellow in the Applied Community and Economic Development Program at Illinois State University, working towards a master’s in Political Science. Since receiving her undergraduate degree in Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Manda has worked for various community development organizations. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Nicaragua and Guatemala, respectively. After her service, she worked for Habitat for Humanity in the Greater Charlottesville area in a variety of positions ranging from construction to financial coaching. Through her time at Habitat, Manda has developed a strong passion for working in affordable housing and advocacy. She is excited to be able to continue her professional career with HAC and looks forward to her continued understanding and work in housing, especially within rural America.

Dan Stern is HAC’s Communication and Outreach Manager. His responsibilities include managing and updating HAC’s website and communications, coordinating HAC’s outreach initiatives, and is a member of HAC’s Tech Team. He lives in Rockville, MD with his wife, four boys, and too many pets.

Keith has worked extensively with many datasets in an effort to better understand where, when, and how development patterns occur. As part of these efforts, Keith has authored a recent article in the Journal of Housing Policy Debate, entitled “The role of the CDBG program in rural America” and has written several reports analyzing rural lending activities. He also coauthored both a book chapter in The Oxford Handbook of Urban Economics and Planning and a Resources for the Future discussion paper exploring residential infill. Keith holds a Master’s in Public Policy from American University, and a PhD in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.