Connecticut has the opportunity to build a stronger, more equitable housing future, and that work depends on bold leadership, deep expertise, and collaboration across sectors.
As we welcome new members to the Partnership’s Board of Directors, we’re excited to begin by introducing Ashleigh M. Backman, Kassandra Perez, and Erin Burns-Maine. Their experience, perspective, and leadership reflect the broad coalition needed to expand housing opportunity across Connecticut.
Together, they bring strengths spanning legal and operational leadership, frontline homelessness and housing services, affordable housing strategy, and community development. Each joins the Partnership with a shared commitment to advancing practical, people-centered solutions and meaningful systems-level change across Connecticut.
Ashleigh M. Backman
Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer, Connecticut Bar Foundation
Ashleigh M. Backman brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and partnership-building through her work at the Connecticut Bar Foundation. Her leadership and operational expertise will help strengthen the Partnership’s efforts to advance equitable housing policy and collaborative advocacy initiatives statewide.
“I chose to join the Partnership for Strong Communities Board because of its proven leadership in advancing housing stability and equitable access across Connecticut, and I am excited to contribute my experience in strategic planning and partnership-building to support meaningful, system-level change for our communities statewide.”
Kassandra Perez
Housing Specialist, West Hartford Housing Authority
Kassandra Perez is a Hartford-based housing and social services professional whose work focuses on supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Through her experience in case management, client advocacy, and housing support services, she brings valuable frontline perspective to the Partnership’s work advancing housing stability and systems change.
Her background includes work with housing programs and direct service initiatives that connect community members with shelter, meals, and critical social service resources.
“I chose to join the Partnership board because I want to contribute my experience in housing and homelessness services to advancing practical, systems-level solutions that expand housing stability in Connecticut. I’m also committed to learning how to strengthen cross-sector collaboration so I can help bridge frontline realities with policy and long-term housing strategy.”
Erin Burns-Maine
Chief Strategy Officer, The Community Preservation Corporation
Erin Burns-Maine brings deep expertise in affordable housing strategy, community development, and housing finance through her leadership at The Community Preservation Corporation. Her experience advancing housing investment and community-centered development efforts will strengthen the Partnership’s mission to support safe, stable, and affordable homes throughout Connecticut.
“Joining the Partnership for Strong Communities Board reflects my deep commitment to expanding access to safe, stable, and affordable homes across Connecticut. I’m honored to support an organization whose mission aligns so closely with my own and to contribute to building stronger communities throughout the state.”
We look forward to sharing several other new Board members in the weeks ahead. We are excited to add a wide range of new expertise and perspectives that will help strengthen the Partnership’s work to advance housing justice and housing stability across Connecticut.