Town Manager Maurice Jones has selected Sarah Viñas as Director of Affordable Housing and Community Connections. The appointment came after a national search and selection from a talented pool of applicants. Her first day was Oct. 25th.
“Sarah has been an outstanding leader in our community’s effort to preserve and create affordable housing in Chapel Hill,” said Jones. “She possesses a great passion for public service and has worked closely with our affordable housing partners to make a positive difference in the lives of our residents.”
“I am honored to continue serving the Town in this new role by working with residents, community partners, and staff to create more affordable housing opportunities and partnerships that address social inequities in Chapel Hill,” said Viñas. “I am extremely excited to lead the department as we continue to develop solutions to some of the communities’ greatest challenges now and into the future.”
Viñas has nearly 20 years of experience in both the public and non-profit sector, all focused on addressing the root causes of poverty and housing insecurity and building leadership among marginalized populations to create positive community change. She joined the Town of Chapel Hill more than a decade ago, where she has served in a variety of roles. In 2014, she joined the Town’s newly-formed Office for Housing and Community, where she developed many new programs and policy solutions and oversaw operations as Assistant Director and most recently Interim Director. Prior to joining the Town, Viñas directed two community-based non-profit organizations and worked on state and national social policy issues.
Viñas earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Religion with a minor in Community Building and Social Change from Emory University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill.
She is supported by her husband, Gabriel, and their two children, as well as her extended family who live locally in Chapel Hill.
