Builders of Color Coalition Announces Departure of Executive Director Colleen Fonseca, Kenneth Turner as Interim Executive Director
Boston, Mass. (September 12, 2024) – After three years of leadership, Colleen Fonseca will be stepping down as Executive Director of the Builders of Color Coalition (BCC), effective Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Colleen joined BCC in August 2021, amid a time of great change for the organization and deep social and economic uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic. Leading with grace, enthusiasm, curiosity, willingness to try new things, and the ability to connect with various stakeholders, Colleen provided a solid operational and programming foundation for BCC, ushering in a new phase of growth in the organization’s network, profile, and impact. BCC’s accomplishments during her tenure include:
Hiring additional staff to enhance the organization’s capabilities
Implementing BCC’s first four-year strategic plan
Expanding BCC’s network, partnerships, and fundraising
Establishing signature BCC events and offerings such as the Financing Forum, Land Access Forum, and Meet the Banks Initiative
Launching three fellowship programs: the CORE Fellowship, Affordable Housing Developer Fellowship, and the Investment Analysis Fellowship
Launching the Capital Task Force, the first of three task forces identifying and uplifting innovative solutions for advancing CRE investors and developers of color
Gaining the commitment of 5 cities – Boston, Cambridge, Lynn, Salem, and Somerville – to increase DEI evaluation criteria in public and private projects through the Commonwealth Compact
“To ensure a smooth transition and BCC’s continued effectiveness, we are thrilled to announce that Kenneth Turner will be joining the Builders of Color Coalition as Interim Executive Director,” said Taylor Pederson, Board President at Builders of Color Coalition and Marketing Director, Colliers. “As former President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and a driving force behind the “Massport Model” at the Massachusetts Port Authority, Kenn’s experience will be invaluable in building new relationships, refreshing BCC’s strategic plan, and strengthening our resources and capacity. We are grateful for Kenn’s guidance during this time.”
Colleen shared the following statement in her letter of resignation to the board of directors: “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry. BCC will continue to be a powerful force in this space, bringing innovative ideas and pioneering programs to our network across the state.”
Colleen will be leaving BCC to serve as Equity and Inclusion Manager with the Mayor’s Office of Housing for the City of Boston. “While we will miss Colleen’s leadership, we proudly look forward to seeing the positive changes she will make in the next stage of her career. Indeed, Colleen’s path is a microcosm and validation of BCC’s work to transform the commercial real estate industry, including by developing diverse talent for leadership roles. As we prepare to publish our 2024-2028 strategic plan, we will continue to focus on leadership development pipelines in our efforts to expand access and opportunity in commercial real estate,” added Pederson.
Stay tuned for more information about BCC’s search for a new Executive Director and how to apply in the coming days.