Minneapolis, MN – The Aeon Board of Directors has named Rachel Robinson, the current deputy commissioner of Minnesota Housing, as the organization’s next president and CEO. With over 4,800 units of affordable housing in the Twin Cities, Aeon is one of the region’s largest housing providers with a focus on long-term affordability, sustainability and resident well-being.
Robinson brings cross-sector experience as a housing leader to Aeon at a time when housing stability and affordability are urgent community challenges. As president and CEO, Robinson will lead Aeon in its mission to create and sustain quality affordable housing, building on its proud legacy of innovation, partnership and impact.
Aeon’s current chief financial officer, Caroline Horton, has served as interim president and CEOfor the past year. St. Paul-based executive search and selection consulting firm Ballinger | Leafblad led the effort to select Aeon’s new leader.
“Aeon is a bold leader in preserving and creating quality, affordable homes, and this is a pivotal moment for Aeon and the communities we serve,” said Martha Nevanen, Aeon board chair. “Rachel is a mission-focused leader who deeply understands the fundamentals and complexities of housing development, ownership and management.”
With more than 20 years of experience supporting mission-focused organizations, Robinson is an expert in multifamily real estate development, finance and operations.
“I’ve dedicated my career in service to others – bringing innovation and maximizing value for the greater good of stable homes and communities,” said Robinson. “It’s a thrilling time to be joining Aeon to build upon the strength and capacity of the organization in this next chapter.”
In 2019, Robinson was appointed as deputy commissioner of Minnesota Housing, the state’s housing finance agency overseeing more than 300 employees and $1.4 billion in annual grants and investments in affordable housing. Previously, Robinson founded and managed the NOAH Impact Fund at the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund — an innovative fund dedicated to investing capital in preserving unsubsidized,low-cost housing in the Twin Cities. She began her career in the affordable housing sector through housing development and management roles at JLPope Associates and CommonBond Communities. She is a graduate of the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College.
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About Aeon
Since 1986, Aeon has been dedicated to creating and sustaining quality housing that transforms lives and strengthens communities across Minnesota. Through innovative development, long-term property management and resident-focused services, we provide safe and affordable homes that help individuals and families build brighter futures.
