Bruce Whiting retires from the HDC board, marking 22 years of service.
Bruce Whiting attended his final HDC board meeting, on April 20, completing an extraordinary 22 years of volunteer service to the board. For most of his tenure, he served as the board chair. Bruce’s retirement from the board was an occasion to commemorate—even though he agreed, in true Bruce form, to continue to provide his expertise as a member of the board’s finance committee.
Bruce joined the board during HDC’s first executive leadership transition and provided guidance and support to five executive directors including two interim executive directors. Bruce worked as a senior vice president and west regional manager for KeyBank, with a focus on supporting Community Reinvestment Act objectives, during much of his board tenure. His work in banking, his service to HDC, and his service to other nonprofit housing organizations all contribute to his reputation as a deeply respected member of the affordable housing industry.
Bruce actively participated in the launch of HDC’s influential asset management program, the founding of its affiliated lending entity HDC Community Fund, and HDC’s first joint-venture development, Nueva Esperanza, a partnership with Bienestar. He saw us through many changes in the industry, including rapid shifts during COVID. When I came to HDC, in 2021, the board had just adopted a new mission, new vision and values statements, and a new five-year strategic plan. Bruce made it clear to me, then, and in every interaction that followed, that HDC’s racial equity agenda was very important to him.
Bruce’s exceptional service to HDC was celebrated at the April board meeting. In written messages, past and current HDC leaders expressed gratitude for Bruce’s wise, steady leadership and remarked on his impact as a partner, mentor, advisor, and heart-felt advocate for housing justice.
HDC would be a different organization without Bruce’s impact. The whole staff and board remain deeply grateful for his contributions and look forward to continued friendship with Bruce.