Yvette Villa-Barry promoted to Senior Vice President of Asset Management and Resident Services.
SAN DIEGO – July 10, 2025 – Community HousingWorks (CHW), a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing, preserving, and operating affordable housing communities, proudly announces key leadership changes to unify and strengthen support for CHW communities under one cohesive framework. Yvette Villa-Barry, who joined CHW in November 2024 as Vice President of Real Estate Asset Management, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Asset Management and Resident Services. In her new role, Villa-Barry will set the strategic direction for all aspects of the communities in CHW’s portfolio, overseeing both the asset management and resident services teams. She will lead efforts to preserve the quality and integrity of CHW’s buildings while advancing programs and services that support residents and strengthen communities. Concurrently, Lakeysha Sowunmi has been promoted to Senior Director of Resident Services and will continue to lead the team providing on-site support and services to residents in CHW communities.
These strategic leadership changes reflect CHW’s commitment to enhancing collaboration and integration between its Asset Management and Resident Services teams. CHW is creating a more integrated approach that ensures its communities not only remain financially strong but also provide high-quality services and support to residents.
“After several months of assessing both teams, bringing Asset Management and Resident Services together under Yvette’s guidance positions us to better serve our residents and communities,” said Sean Spear, President and CEO of Community HousingWorks. “Yvette’s extensive experience managing diverse portfolios and her passion for resident-centered solutions will drive innovation and operational excellence. We’re equally excited about Lakeysha’s promotion and her expanded role in building partnerships that enhance our resident services.”
Villa-Barry brings 17 years of leadership experience in asset management across several prominent affordable housing organizations, including Linc Housing, Jamboree Housing, and Boston Financial Investment Management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Political Science from Westmont College and a Master of Arts in Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning from Tufts University. Villa-Barry’s dedication to affordable housing is deeply personal, inspired by her grandfather’s experience with Section 8 housing.
“True community transformation begins where bricks meet hearts—when affordable housing asset management joins hands with resident services, we don’t just build homes, we build futures filled with dignity, stability, and opportunity,” said Villa-Barry.
Sowunmi joined CHW in 2020 as Community Engagement Manager and within two years was promoted to Director of Resident Services. In this expanded role she will build upon her work to deepen resident support programs, while also representing CHW in community partnerships and advocacy. Sowunmi has been a vital part of CHW’s mission-driven work and is recognized for her leadership and vision in enhancing services that promote resident well-being.
“This leadership alignment strengthens our commitment to ensuring our residents receive the resources, care, and opportunities necessary to thrive,” said Sochiata Vutthy, Chief Operating Officer of Community HousingWorks. “We look forward to the innovative collaborations and positive impacts this change will bring.”
About Community HousingWorks
Founded in 1988, Community HousingWorks is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that develops, preserves, and operates affordable apartment communities across California and Texas. CHW serves more than 12,000 working families, seniors, and children living in over 5,000 CHW homes. Along with housing, CHW offers vital programs and services that support financial stability, health, education, and overall well-being. CHW is a nationally acclaimed member of the NeighborWorks Network®, an award-winning affiliate of UnidosUS, and a member of the Housing Partnership Network. Learn more at chworks.org.
