Community Homeworks announces Kalamazoo native and Kalamazoo City Commissioner, Chris Praedel, has been named executive director of an area nonprofit devoted to empowering local homeowners to remain in their homes.
Praedel was elected to serve his first term on the Kalamazoo City Commission in November 2019. He previously served for nearly seven years managing alumni and donor events at Western Michigan University’s Office of University Advancement, which is the alumni and donor arm. His appointment to Community Homeworks formally began on Monday, July 13.
A life resident of Kalamazoo, Praedel studied management at Western Michigan University and earned an advanced degree in teaching from Dominican University. He brings a significant amount of nonprofit experience in fund development, board development and organizational operations.
He replaces, Jason Byler, who served as interim-executive director since late 2019. Byler remains on the team as the Education Manager. Praedel will serve as only the third person to lead the organization in its ten years.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring Mr. Praedel into the role of the executive director,” Sam Field, board president of Community Homeworks, said in a prepared statement. “We had a highly competitive pool of candidates and the choice was not an easy one. We are confident that Mr. Praedel is well equipped to take Community Homeworks to the next level on its growth trajectory.”
Field and the board conducted an executive search in May and June to fill the position.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Community Homeworks during this juncture in its history. The organization is well positioned to build on the tremendous momentum of the past ten years. I look forward to being a part of the effort to take the organization to the next level with our team, making a positive difference in the lives of area residents who struggle to remain in their homes,” Praedel said.
Community Homeworks is a nonprofit organization based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Its mission is to empower area neighbors to maintain safe, sustainable, and dignified homes. In addition to homeowner education, the organization offers a Critical Home Repair program for income qualified homeowners in Kalamazoo County.
The organization is located at 810 Bryant St. in Kalamazoo and has been serving the area’s vulnerable housing owners since 2009. To learn more about the organization, visit CommunityHomeworks.org.
