Homeless Leadership Alliance of Pinellas Leadership Announcement

The Homeless Leadership Alliance (HLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of new leaders within the HLA Staff and Board of Directors. Effective March 6, 2025, Cheri Holzbacher has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Additionally, Ms. Kimberly Rodgers and Mr. Nick Carey have been elected as Chair and Vice Chair of the HLA Board of Directors, respectively.

Ms. Holzbacher brings a wealth of experience in strategic nonprofit leadership, advocacy, program evaluation, community development, and grants management to this role, ensuring continued progress in HLA’s mission to end homelessness in Pinellas County. She has contributed to securing more than a billion dollars in funding for behavioral health, housing, and social services throughout her career.

Ms. Holzbacher joined HLA in July 2024 as the Director of Quality & Performance Improvement, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing program efficiency and effectiveness. With a master’s degree in social work focused on community organization from the University of Michigan, Ms. Holzbacher has dedicated her career to supporting populations across systems of care and strengthening community-based services.

Prior to her time at HLA, Ms. Holzbacher led a team overseeing more than $40 million in behavioral health services for children and families. She co-authored a successful proposal to Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) for the state’s largest Managing Entity, demonstrating her expertise in large-scale program management and funding acquisition.

Ms. Holzbacher’s passion for housing rights is deeply personal. Her lived experiences with housing instability fuel her commitment to fostering inclusive, supportive communities. She was a founding member of CHANGER, a grassroots advocacy organization led by individuals with firsthand experience of housing insecurity. Additionally, she has served in advisory roles with organizations such as the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities and as an elected board member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Georgia Chapter.

“We are thrilled to have Cheri step into this leadership role,” said Kimberly Rodgers, HLA Board Chair. “Her dedication to systemic change, deep understanding of the complexities of homelessness, and proven leadership will guide HLA as we continue our mission to ensure safe and stable housing for all.”

HLA also welcomes Ms. Rodgers as the new Board Chair. Ms. Rodgers has lived, worked, and been a community leader in St. Petersburg for nearly thirty (30) years. She last worked as the Executive Director of Community Law Program, Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services to the poor. A Florida-licensed attorney and graduate of Stetson University College of Law, she has served on the HLA Board for several years, including as HLA Board Secretary. Ms. Rodgers’ extensive legal expertise and commitment to social justice will be invaluable as HLA continues its work in the community.

Additionally, HLA is pleased to announce that Mr. Nick Carey has been elected as Vice Chair of the HLA Board. Mr. Carey lives in St. Petersburg and serves as the Political Coordinator with Faith in Florida, a faith-based social and economic justice group. In his role, Mr. Carey has led organizing and advocacy campaigns around rent control, tenant protections, and access to safe and stable housing for all people.

A dedicated member of Allendale United Methodist Church, Mr. Carey's faith drives his belief that all people deserve dignity and justice. Mr. Carey says that his faith, along with the support of his community, led him to leave his career as a chemist to pursue work that centers on people, particularly those typically excluded from the decisions that impact their lives.

HLA extends its deepest gratitude to former Interim CEO Mr. Aaron M. Swift, Esq., and former Board Chair Mick Constantinou for their dedication and leadership. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing HLA’s mission and strengthening services for those experiencing homelessness in Pinellas County.