The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust has appointed Mae Worthey-Thomas as its new chief executive officer, the organization announced recently.

Worthey-Thomas takes over from Erica Sims, who served as the nonprofit’s CEO through a partnership with HDAdvisors since MWCLT’s founding in 2016.

“As we grow larger and the housing crisis continues to grow more pressing, we are ecstatic to have a new full-time CEO with extensive affordable housing experience to lead us in the complex and pivotal road ahead,” said Jason Apolo, board chairman. Worthey-Thomas brings extensive experience in affordable housing development. She previously served as deputy administrator at the Nevada Housing Division, the state’s housing finance agency.

There, she oversaw federal and state grants for corporations, nonprofits and local governments to build affordable housing for income-qualified individuals.

“I am tremendously pleased that the MWCLT board has placed its faith in me to continue the legacy of providing affordable homes to deserving residents of the Richmond area,” Worthey-Thomas said. “I am excited about the road ahead and the worthwhile work we will do together in helping families realize the American dream of homeownership.” 

Worthey-Thomas holds a bachelor’s in communications from the University of Alabama, a master’s in public administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne.