Anne Smetak and Shana Tomenes Named Co-Executive Directors
(Saint Paul, MN) – The Housing Justice Center (HJC) is proud to announce a new leadership structure for the organization, naming Anne Smetak and Shana Tomenes as Co-Executive Directors.
This new leadership model reflects HJC’s commitment to collaborative leadership, organizational stability and deepening its impact as HJC enters its next chapter of advancing housing justice across Minnesota.
Tomenes and Smetak bring decades of combined experience in housing advocacy, public policy, litigation and tenant protection. Both have played critical roles in shaping and advancing HJC’s mission and have earned the trust and respect of staff, partners, advocates, and communities across the state.
“Anne and Shana are exceptional leaders who deeply understand both the mission and the moment,” said Walter Battle, Chair of the Housing Justice Center Board of Directors. “Their experience, and commitment to housing justice position HJC for a strong and sustainable future and we are thrilled to have them leading the organization together.”
Under the new shared leadership model, Smetak and Tomenes will jointly guide the organization’s strategic direction, legal and policy advocacy, partnerships, and operations.
“This is a pivotal time in housing justice and affordable housing and I am grateful for the opportunity to co-lead the Housing Justice Center as it rises to meet the moment. The Housing Justice Center is uniquely positioned to fight to preserve tenant rights and affordable housing in this time of tremendous change and uncertainty. It is a privilege to co-lead the organization through such an important time and I look forward to continuing to build and expand HJC’s impact.”
Anne Smetak, Co-Executive Director, Housing Justice Center
“I am honored to serve as co-executive director of HJC. As a first-generation college student who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, I understand firsthand the stakes of this work and carry with me a deep belief that housing is foundational to dignity and stability. I am grateful for the trust this community has placed in us and look forward to continuing to build collective power to defend and expand housing justice.”
Shana Tomenes, Co-Executive Director, Housing Justice Center
The announcement comes during a period of continued growth and momentum for HJC, as the organization expands its capacity and strengthens partnerships.
The Housing Justice Center is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization dedicated to preserving and expanding affordable housing for low-income households through impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community organizing.
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