Connecticut’s housing challenges demand collaboration across sectors and leaders who understand that stable, affordable housing is the foundation for thriving communities.
As we continue welcoming new members to the Partnership for Strong Communities’ Board of Directors, we’re proud to introduce Fionnuala Darby-Hudgens, Kathy K. Taylor, Esq., and Aimee Chambers-McKay. Together, they bring decades of experience in homelessness services, philanthropy, community development, and equitable real estate investment—strengthening the Partnership’s work to advance housing justice and expand housing opportunity across Connecticut.
Their leadership reflects a shared belief that meaningful progress requires collaboration, bold policy solutions, and a commitment to ensuring every Connecticut resident has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home.
Fionnuala Darby-Hudgens
Chief Administration Officer, The New London Homeless Hospitality Center
Fionnuala Darby-Hudgens brings extensive experience in homelessness services, nonprofit leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. Through her work supporting individuals and families experiencing housing instability, she has seen firsthand the importance of coordinated systems and community partnerships. Her perspective will strengthen the Partnership’s efforts to advance collaborative, statewide housing solutions.
“I joined the board because I believe deeply in the mission to align and coordinate efforts around housing and homelessness. I felt called to step forward at a moment when collaboration is not just beneficial, but necessary, particularly given the challenges previous generations faced in working collectively across systems. Advancing housing justice requires a more unified, intentional approach, and I wanted to be part of that shift.”
Kathy K. Taylor, Esq.
President and CEO, Connecticut Community Foundation
Kathy K. Taylor brings a lifelong commitment to equity, community leadership, and philanthropy through her work at the Connecticut Community Foundation. Her experience advancing opportunity and investing in stronger communities aligns closely with the Partnership’s mission to ensure everyone in Connecticut has access to a safe, stable, and affordable home.
“For me, housing is not a peripheral issue. It shaped me in deeply profound ways and I know it’s the foundation upon which everything else we care about rests—from the health of our children and the stability of our families to the economic vitality of our neighborhoods and the promise of genuine opportunity for everyone in our state. I joined the Partnership board because I know that when people have a safe, stable, affordable place to call home, everything else becomes possible and a more prosperous Connecticut becomes something we can actually build together, not just aspire to.”
Aimee Chambers
Chief Real Estate Officer, Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA)
Aimee Chambers brings deep expertise in community development, equitable real estate investment, and cross-sector partnership building. Throughout her career, she has worked to bring together public, private, and nonprofit partners to strengthen neighborhoods and expand opportunity. Her experience will help advance the Partnership’s work to create more equitable housing solutions across Connecticut.
“I’m honored to join the Board of Directors of Partnership for Strong Communities. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on advancing community development by bringing together the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to create equitable opportunities and strengthen neighborhoods. Time and again, one truth has remained clear: stable, affordable housing is foundational to healthy communities, economic mobility, and long-term prosperity.
Joining the board is a natural extension of the work I’m passionate about. Partnership for Strong Communities has long been a leading voice in advancing housing policy, expanding access to affordable homes, and advocating for solutions that help Connecticut’s residents and communities thrive.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated group of leaders to help advance policies and partnerships that expand housing opportunities and build stronger, more resilient communities across our state. I look forward to contributing to this important work and continuing to champion collaborative solutions that create lasting impact.”
We are grateful to welcome Fionnuala, Kathy, and Aimee to the Partnership’s Board of Directors. Their experience, leadership, and shared commitment to housing justice will help strengthen our work as we continue advocating for policies and partnerships that expand housing opportunity and build stronger communities across Connecticut.