ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Washtenaw County’s leading organization on affordable and supportive housing, Avalon Housing, has a new leader at the helm.
Starting Monday, Feb. 26., Aaron Cooper will be the organization’s new executive director. He will replace current director Aubrey Patiño, who has served in the position since 2018 and worked at Availon for 18 years.
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“I’m energized to build on the tremendous growth that Avalon has experienced in the past by leading the organization through this next critical stage of its mission,” Cooper said in a release.
“The growth Avalon has experienced has been due not only to the leadership of Aubrey and the board but also Avalon’s skilled and compassionate team members who are on the front lines in the fight against homelessness. I’m honored to step into this position, and I look forward to working with the team to ensure a smooth transition and a seamless experience for our tenants, clients and partners.”
Cooper has worked in the affordable housing sector throughout Michigan and Ohio for 17 years. Since 2021, he has led the Inkster Housing Commission as President and CEO, where he worked with community members and elected officials to make sure low-income Inkster residents have safe housing.
“As Avalon nears our 35th year of working to end homelessness, we are excited about our future,” said Avalon board president Jeremy Lapedis. “Avalon has a vibrant, values-driven culture and extremely talented staff. We have four new properties and over 150 units on our development horizon. Aaron’s passion for improving people’s lives through quality, affordable housing, his extensive background in the public housing sector, and his ability to engage staff, community members and key partners make him the ideal person to lead Avalon at this time.”
In addition to his work with the IHC, Cooper advocates for affordable housing through his role as Region IV vice president of the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
“Being a part of this organization has been one of the most tender and expansive experiences of my life,” Patiño said. “I’ve watched Avalon restore people’s health, their sense of belonging, and give them purpose. Avalon is a special place, and I want to share my sincere thanks with our tenants, our staff, our partners and everyone in the greater Washtenaw community who has helped support us in the pursuit of housing justice. Although I am sad to leave, I am confident that Aaron will be a tremendous asset to this community and lead with kindness, respect and integrity.”
Avalon Housing operates and owns 29 housing sites in Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Dexter. Officials said the organization intends to open 152 new affordable apartments in Washtenaw County in the near future.
Learn more about Avalon’s housing projects here.