Former Obama Appointee Barbara Fields Tapped to Expand Abt’s Housing Practice
Rockville, Md. – Barbara Fields, a national housing and community economic development leader has joined Abt Associates as Vice President, Housing and Community Initiatives. Fields’ career spans 30 years in executive roles with federal and state government agencies and nonprofit organizations, and in philanthropy.
Fields will lead the expansion of Abt’s work in housing and asset building, seeking out new strategic opportunities to collaborate with federal, state, and local government as well as philanthropy.
Most recently, Fields was president and CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, where she raised an unprecedented $12 million for COVID-19 relief in Central Massachusetts. Previously, Fields was CEO and Executive Director at RIHousing, Rhode Island’s $2 billion housing finance agency. In 2011, she was appointed by President Obama as Regional Administrator for HUD’s six New England field offices. Earlier in her career, she launched and ran the Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) RI office for 20 years, overseeing the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in affordable housing and community development.
“Barbara‘s career demonstrates her passion for ensuring equity, particularly in the area of housing,” said Abt’s Senior Vice President of Social and Economic Policy, Mary Joel Holin. “Her knowledge and success as a trusted advisor will be invaluable to Abt’s clients.”
About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a global consulting and research firm that uses data and bold thinking to improve the quality of people’s lives. From combatting infectious disease and conducting rigorous program evaluations, to ensuring safe drinking water and promoting access to affordable housing—and more—we partner with clients and communities to tackle their most complex challenges. https://www.abtassociates.com
Contact:
Eric Tischler
eric_tischler@abtassoc.com
(301) 347-5492
