Homeport President and CEO Bruce Luecke says the time is right from him to step down from the top job at the Central Ohio nonprofit.
"I am really proud of where Homeport is at," said Luecke, who took over the housing developer nearly six years ago, after retiring from his banking job.
“This is bittersweet," Luecke said of his decision to retire. "I love the impact we're able to make. That is what's driven me and been the joy of the last six years."
Luecke said Homeport has what is probably the largest real estate pipeline in the organization's history, with several redevelopments in progress and groundbreakings forthcoming. But more must be done going forward, something Luecke leaves in the hand of his successor and the broader community.
"I am thrilled to death that affordable housing has become a larger community issue that many people are now talking about. It's an economic development issue," Luecke said. "And the issue is going to get larger and larger if we don't do something collectively."
Carlie Boos, the executive director of the Affordable Housing Alliance of Central Ohio, said Luecke will leave Homeport in a good position for the next leaders of the organization.
"Bruce is a bold and thoughtful leader who cares deeply about the people of central Ohio," Boos said in an emailed statement. "He leaves Homeport strong and ready for the future and, as a director of the Affordable Housing Alliance, we’re forever grateful for the resolute focus and constant wisdom he brings to our work expanding Franklin County’s affordable housing toolkit."