NeighborWorks® America names Vanitha Venugopal vice president for its pacific region

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NeighborWorks America announced today that it named Vanitha Venugopal regional vice president for its pacific region. As regional vice president, Venugopal is responsible for NeighborWorks operations and business relationships throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. Venugopal will report to NeighborWorks America Chief Operating Officer Chuck Wehrwein.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131211/DC31773)

"Vanitha brings deep experience in community development, grant making and program development, said Wehrwein. "Under her leadership NeighborWorks America will be able to increase the strength of our network members in the region, and help more individuals and families build stronger communities."

The NeighborWorks America pacific region is comprised of 32 NeighborWorks organizations providing a variety of community development services in 2012 to nearly 34,000 people and is responsible for more than $850 million in total direct investment in communities.

Prior to joining NeighborWorks America, Venugopal served as program director, community development and investment for the San Francisco Foundation. In this role, Venugopal led the foundation's $4 million five-county Bay area community development program with special emphasis on housing and economic security.  In addition, she designed and implemented a three-year grant program to address issues related to foreclosures and job training and creation.

Before her work with the San Francisco Foundation, Venugopal served seven years with the Surdna Foundation, holding senior program roles in community development including work studying the interconnected nature of housing, transportation and energy policy. Earlier in her career, Venugopal held various professional positions that strengthened housing and education related programs in the city of New York.

Venugopal earned a Bachelor of Architecture from JNT University, India and a Master of Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.

About NeighborWorks America
For 35 years, NeighborWorks America has created opportunities for people to improve their lives and strengthen their communities by providing access to homeownership and to safe and affordable rental housing. In the last five years, NeighborWorks organizations have generated more than $19.5 billion in reinvestment in these communities. NeighborWorks America is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordable housing professionals.

SOURCE NeighborWorks America