Braintree, MA After 22 years as executive director at Caritas Communities, Dr. Mark Winkeller will step down from overall management of the organization in order to focus his passion and unique expertise as the director of acquisitions. Winkeller is looking forward to putting his energy into the continued expansion the organization’s portfolio.

According to the board of directors, Karin Cassel Mitterando, who has served as the chief development officer and director of communications at Caritas since 2013, will step into the position as executive director, effective April 1.

“I am very proud,” said Winkeller, “of the successful efforts that Caritas has made to combat homelessness during my tenure as executive director, and I look forward to continuing this work on the development side of the organization. Caritas is a leader in providing quality affordable housing in Greater Boston to those unable to pay today’s rapidly skyrocketing rent levels.” 

Winkeller’s early career in real estate was spent in affordable rental housing before moving on to many successful years in the for-profit sector. “I always wanted to return to the challenging but satisfying world of non-profit affordable housing,” said Winkeller. “Caritas Communities has provided me with the opportunity to give back while still practicing my craft as a developer.”

“Mark has quite literally put Caritas on the map,” said Board Member Gordon Pulsifer. “His creativity and expertise in navigating the complex financing instruments available for low-income housing development is unparalleled.” Under Winkeller’s leadership, Caritas has received awards from the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, and the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, and the TD Charitable Foundation.

When he was hired as executive director in 1997, Caritas owned and operated 7 properties housing 143 individuals. When his current projects are completed in 2020, Caritas will own and operate 32 buildings in 14 Greater Boston communities providing homes for almost 1,000 people. A majority of Caritas properties are Single Room Occupancy rentals, designed to be accessible to very low income individuals.

“The board supports Mark’s decision to let go of daily operations, and are grateful that he will stay with us to work on further expansion,” said Board Member David Greenblatt. “There is no shortage of need in Greater Boston, and we are determined to continue growing while there are people at risk of homelessness in our community because they are priced out of the market.”