Chesapeake Neighbors congratulates Judi Olinger, Executive Director, on her acceptance to the Shore Leadership Class of 2022. Over the course of the year, Judi will complete the hands-on professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of local business and community leaders on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Having spent her career in affordable housing, Judi understands the issues related to someone’s ability to afford high-quality, reasonably priced housing are multi-faceted and complex, especially on the Eastern Shore. “Of course, access to housing includes access to necessities like clean water and reliable internet, but what about access to land, nature, and community? What about homes that are fully accessible, aesthetically pleasing, and restful?” says Judi. “Affordable housing can and must do more than provide people with the bare minimum.”

Participating in Shore Leadership will give Judi the opportunity to connect with other colleagues, where she will be able to share her invaluable experience and engage in creative solutions to address the housing crisis. “At Chesapeake Neighbors, we are set on reimagining the future of affordable housing in Maryland,” says Judi, “and I am excited to meet fellow leaders who are ready to do more for the low-income community on the Eastern Shore.”

Under Judi’s leadership, Chesapeake Neighbors has seen incredible growth in funding, grants, and properties under management, and is poised to add 100 new units to their portfolio within the next three years. Fair, safe, affordable housing must be a right for all Maryland residents, a mindset that Judi embodies and is eager to share with her Shore Leadership classmates.

Congratulations to Judi on this recognition of her leadership and success in her career, along with all other incoming members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2022.

About Shore Leadership

Shore Leadership is a professional development program dedicated to enhancing the quality of life on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Shore Leadership participants interface with community leaders and experts from organizations and institutions that shape the region’s structure and culture. Participants meet once monthly to focus on key topics of regional interest. Shore Leadership has been facilitating positive change in the region since 1997.  To learn more, please visit www.shoreleadership.org.