Meet Andrew Michaelson

Andrew Michaelson (he/him) is closing out his second three-year term of service on the board, and is currently serving as secretary for 2022.  He brings experience developing affordable housing, is grounded in gratitude, and we are grateful for the time he has given for the residents of Clare!

Can you talk about what interested you in serving on Clare Housing’s board of directors?

My profession is developing affordable housing, so I already have a personal mission alignment with the work Clare does. What compelled me to join the Board is seeing the difference housing can make to the wellbeing of our residents and the clear benefit from Clare’s services.

What about your professional background helps inform your work on the board?

I work in real estate development so there’s a base level of transaction structuring and financial know-how that translates directly into Clare’s business.

What lasting lesson have you learned from working with Clare?

There’s not one lesson per se, but a mindfulness that I try to carry, which is gratitude and humility. Be grateful for what you have, not just as possessions, but also in connections to family, friends, and supports. Then further, be humble and not think that “it will never happen to me.” 

Is there a big difference between being a member and being an officer?  Why?

Yes and no. No, I don’t think of myself as different from any other member of the Board. We all have a connection to Clare and a desire to guide and foster that mission. That said, I do respect that an officer position does carry with it an expectation of leadership and commitment that requires a dutiful presence and intention. 

What does “success” mean to you in terms of your work on the board?

We are successful when the Clare team has all that it needs to do the work for our residents.

What do you hope to accomplish/are you most proud of accomplishing in your term with the board?

I was on the team when we completed our search for our new Executive Director, ultimately leading Phoebe to join the organization. We were quite fully and recently, at that time, in a fresh pandemic, Zoom was a new way of life, and nobody really knew what would happen next. Despite those trying times, we had such a talented and engaged group of candidates to interview, all who were drawn to the incredible work that Clare does everyday and wanting to be a part of it. That was pretty impactful.