Young Professionals Board

Who We Are

Better Housing Coalition Young Professionals (BHCyp) is a group of enthusiastic young professionals from the Greater-Richmond area who are passionate about housing affordability and will advocate for BHC’s mission. With a focus on diversity, they come from a variety of backgrounds, such as social work, urban planning, healthcare, law, finance and real estate.

BHCyp members meet monthly and engage in service projects, networking opportunities and fundraising events that help further BHC’s mission. They’re active in social media, in their communities, and in their professions. This is a Board for the ‘doers’ in our community.

BHCyp aims to prepare members for non-profit board service by providing opportunities for professional development, networking with BHC Board of Directors, and influencing positive change in our community through advocacy and service.

BHCyp Mission Statement

The mission of BHCyp is to build community awareness of and provide support to the Better Housing Coalition, enhancing its ability to change lives and transform communities through high-quality, affordable housing in the Greater Richmond region.

“I know so much more about affordable housing and feel so much more connected to this work via my board membership… I am proud to be connected with this organization and the amazing mission it seeks to achieve.” – Chisholm Carruthers, BHCyp Member

BHCyp Membership

BHCyp members join on a yearly basis. Applications for the following calendar year will be available starting in October. There is no age limit, but members typically range from 22-39 years of age. General members should expect to dedicate 2-6 hours per month to BHCyp activities. Those opting into leadership within the organization should expect a larger time commitment.

BHCyp Member Expectations

Come prepared and attend a minimum of 6 meetings annually; BHCyp meets monthly, typically at 6PM during the third week of the month
Attend orientation scheduled for 1.11.23 at 6PM –New members only
BHCyp does not have membership dues, but each Board member is expected to provide monetary support to BHC according to their ability and circumstances
Assist in planning BHCyp signature events including the Church Hill Bike Tour in the spring and Gingerbread House Challenge in the fall
Leverage your network to meet fundraising and friend-raising goals
Join a BHCyp working group (events, advocacy, membership) to plan and advance initiatives both during and outside of regular meetings

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL LIST OF MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES

Click here to read the BHCyp Leadership descriptions

APPLY TO JOIN BHCyp

We are so glad you are interested in joining our amazing group of young professional advocates! We will be accepting applications for the 2024 BHCyp Board in October 2023. Individuals interested in membership should download the questions list prior to submitting the application as your progress can not be saved on the application form.

2023 BHCyp Board

Lee Jones, Chair
VHB

Maja Gabrielson, Vice Chair
Fulcrum Collaborations

Ben Wong, Secretary
OAR of Richmond

Matthew Funston, Community Outreach Chair
CoStar

Molly Armus, Events Chair
The Humane Society of the United States

Kyle Hogan, Member Engagement Chair
Timmons Group

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Liddy Ballard
HCM Strategists

Laura Campbell
LIFT

Ben Coleman
Shade & Wise Brick Company

Brian Ennis
CoStar

Tom Godfrey
GrayCo, Inc.

Alex Hendee
Thalhimer

Rose Lewis
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Ersella Merrell
Foundation for Care

Katie Moore
UMFS

Erin Phelan
Fluor Enterprises Inc.

Adarsh Ramakrishnan
Carmax

Zanas Talley
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston L.L.P.

Jordan Tawney
Virginia Housing

David Verdis
Kimley-Horn

Brian Williams, II
Blue Engine

Sarah Fernald, BHCyp Coordinator
Better Housing Coalition

BHCyp Contact Form