NH Housing Names New CEO

After hosting a national search, the NH Housing board of directors named Robert Dapice as executive director and CEO of the organization, effective January 1. Dapice will succeed Dean Christon, who retires after 34 years with NH Housing. 

Dapice is the managing director of NH Housing’s Management and Development Division, which finances and supports affordable multi-family housing in the state. He joined NH Housing in 2014, became director of Housing Development in 2017, and managing director of the division in 2019. As part of NH Housing’s response to the pandemic, Dapice led the effort to create NH Housing’s Shelter Modification Program and the Emergency Assistance Loan Fund. These programs supported partner organizations that served vulnerable and housing-insecure individuals and families during the pandemic.

“Rob is committed to our mission of promoting affordable housing opportunities for all New Hampshire residents, and has proven abilities as a collaborator and leader,” said board chair Donald L. Shumway. “He brings the same dedication and passion to fulfilling our housing mission as he did to serving our country. Rob has demonstrated his desire to make a difference to our state’s communities and to work on behalf of those who seek safe and affordable housing.”

“Under Dean Christon’s leadership, New Hampshire Housing has earned a reputation for operational excellence, adaptability and compassion,” Dapice said. “I am honored to be selected by the board to lead our outstanding team, and to continue working towards our shared vision of a New Hampshire with decent, affordable housing for all. The pressures of the pandemic and related factors have highlighted the critical role of housing to the state’s economic vitality and to the health of its citizens, further underscoring the importance of our work.”

Prior to joining NH Housing, Dapice worked at North Branch Construction and served as a captain in the U.S. Army in Iraq. He currently serves on various volunteer boards, including the NH Children’s Lobby, Waypoint's advisory board, and his town’s planning board.

“Rob has demonstrated a strong commitment to New Hampshire Housing and to the important work we do,” said Dean Christon. “He will bring great energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to his new role as Executive Director.”

New Hampshire Housing is a self-supporting public corporation created by the state legislature that promotes, finances and supports affordable housing.