ICYMI: I’m transitioning into a new chapter next month as Executive Director of PRG! I often tell people that while I’m now seen as a housing leader, I never set out to build a career in housing—it found me. It found me because of who I am, where I come from, and what I believe in. This opportunity feels like the culmination of everything—my personal story, my professional growth, and my deep-rooted passion for housing equity and justice. As a proud Frogtown-Rondo baby, the fight for racial equity and economic justice has always been a part of my DNA. It’s not just work; it’s a calling deeply tethered to the concepts of home, place, and community. These streets, these stories, and this history shaped me. As I navigated life with this lens, I was blessed to have so many community members, family, friends, and mentors pour into me, shaping me into the leader I am today. I’ve been a sponge, absorbing wisdom from every experience: • My early days at Hallie Q. Brown, where I first felt the power of community. • My winding and stubborn journey in education, where I navigated dissonance and learned perseverance. • My first professional career in insurance, where I discovered structure and strategy in harmful and helpful ways. • My first leadership opportunity at ZOOM House, where I found my voice. • My deep dive into public service with the City of Saint Paul at a time when our world was shifting in profound ways. • And most recently, my work at Family Housing Fund, where I interrogated how individual actions ripple through communities and systems. This next chapter is deeply personal for me. The work to ensure that everyone has the same opportunities to find and keep stable housing isn’t just a professional mission; it’s a moral imperative. For me, the true measure of success isn’t about titles or achievements—it’s about the relationships we build and the trust we earn along the way. I’m stepping into this role with humility and gratitude. If you don’t currently, please follow PRG to stay connected! I can’t wait to see what we build together.
You may have heard that our long-time executive director announced some time ago that she would be leaving PRG by the end of the year, so we are delighted to share that Kirstin Burch has accepted the position of executive director, effective December 12. Kirstin joins PRG with extensive experience in housing policy, community engagement, and systems change across nonprofit and local government sectors. Most recently, she served as Program Director at Family Housing Fund, where she led strategic initiatives to address housing supply challenges and expand equitable access to housing opportunities throughout the seven-county metro area. Kirstin holds a B.A. in Individualized Studies, specializing in Culturally Inclusive Approaches to Economic Advocacy and Leadership, from Metropolitan State University, as well as a Leadership in Affordable Housing Certificate from Hamline University. Kirstin is excited to bring her energy and passion to PRG, building on its legacy while expanding its impact to provide affordable housing and strengthen communities across the Twin Cities region. Honestly, we were worried about filling this role. Now we are just eagerly awaiting what amazing things she and the rest of the incredible team at PRG do next!
Elisa Pluhar, MA
1mo
Congratulations Kirstin - I can't think of anyone better for this work in community. Thank you for sharing what you have learned along the way, and for how you behave and lead with authenticity!
Coriner T Boler
1mo
Congratulations 👏🏿🎉
Miko Salone
3w
Congratulations Kirstin!!! I'll miss working with you directly but sure we will continue to cross paths in the affordable housing field. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with you. I wish you the best in your new Executive Director position of PRG!!! 😊
Henry Rucker
1mo
Congratulations 🎉 👏🏽
Kate Rodrigues
1mo
Congrats, Kirstin! Always exciting to see you step deeper into your journey of being an incredible leader 💫
Marney Olson
3w
Congratulations on this exciting new journey. You truly are a leader in affordable housing!
Congratulations Kirstin! Looking forward to working with you in this new role!
David McGee Jr.
1mo
Congratulations on your new journey Kirstin
Loriane Ngarambe
1mo
So incredible and well deserved!!! Congratsssss!!!! 💛
Collaborative & forward-thinking with a drive for making development projects happen. Affordable housing, sustainability, and making processes work for everyone. All views I express on LinkedIn are my own.
1moCongratulations Kirstin. This is amazing news and I’m so excited that you’ll be leading PRG.